From left: Amber Chen, VP of ICC TAINAN; James Wu, president of TCEA; Simon Wang, president and CEO of TAITRA; Amelia W. J. Day, secretary general, Bureau of Foreign Trade, MOEA; Felix Chiu, president of TECA; Michael Tu, chairman of Kaohsiung Exhibition Center
“So, I come to you with open arms, and here I am with open arms.” — These lyrics from the 1981 song ‘Open Arms’ by American rock band Journey served as the soundtrack to Taiwan’s comeback party on 4 October when Meet Taiwan brought MICE industry members to officially signal its business events resurgence.
The international press conference was aptly named ‘Taiwan Open Arms’ to signify the destination’s biggest move towards a full reopening on 13 October when the mandatory Covid-19 quarantine for international arrivals will be dropped.
The conference kicked off with a poignant reflection of the devastating challenges the world and the MICE sector faced during the pandemic. Amelia W. J. Day, secretary general of the Bureau of Foreign Trade from the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) then walked on stage, placing her hands on the pause button to symbolise the restart of Taiwan’s MICE sector.
For Taiwan, no time for resting on laurels
Amelia W. J. Day presses the restart on Taiwan’s MICE sector.“The last two years of restrictions have been challenging for us,” Day confessed. “After a long wait, I’m delighted to say that Taiwan is going to open its arms to the world. I would like to extend our warmest welcome to global MICE partners and I look forward to receiving you all to Taiwan.”
Despite the rise in uncertainties and risks across the globe, Day shared that Taiwan did not stop advancing even when business events took a hiatus during the pandemic.
Throughout these two years, Taiwan kept the lights on by hosting multiple hybrid trade shows for the business events community to continue staying connected, developing on its existing MICE offerings and introducing new convention and exhibitions venues, and even advocating for sustainability in the global MICE scene through a fun contest.
“Whether you’re a PEO or PCO, Taiwan offers tremendous business opportunities, with the best equipped venues in Taipei, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and more, and we will make you profitable” shared Simon Wang, president and CEO of Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA).
“According to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Taiwan had a total of 160 international conventions in 2019, making us a force in Asia,” said Felix Chiu, executive director of Taiwan Exhibition & Convention Association (TECA).
“Taiwan had also received many international awards including the Best Convention & Visitors Bureau (Asia) in M&C Asia Stella Awards 2022, and Best Conferences & Exhibitions Destination (Asia) in M&C Asia Stella Awards 2021.”
Looking ahead, Chiu says that “now that the borders are about to reopen, we will work with the government to continue promoting the development of the convention and exhibition industry, taking advantage of Taiwan’s rich and unique tourism resources, local character and culture to attract business people from all over the world.”
The world eagerly awaits Taiwan’s MICE comeback
International MICE leaders, such as UFI's Kai Hattendorf, appeared virtually, speaking of their enthusiasm for Taiwan's MICE reawakening.News of Taiwan’s reopening has reignited a keen desire to do business at this well-loved destination. Multiple leaders in the global business events industry appeared virtually to cheer Taiwan on, speaking in unison of their excitement of its reopening.
“The day has come and we’re very excited with Taiwan’s reopening, and to experience Taiwan’s continuous advancement in its MICE infrastructure,” said Irene Chua, VP/group publisher, Asia, Northstar Travel Group. “Let Taiwan take your events, exhibitions and incentives to greater heights. I invite you to join me in rediscovering Taiwan's new and refreshed offerings. Let's all meet in Taiwan!”
“This is such wonderful news for all of us in the MICE industry,” enthused David Blansfield, executive VP & group publisher of Northstar Meetings Group. “Taiwan is open for MICE meetings again, I can’t wait to get back there very soon. Let’s meet in Taiwan!”
Representing Sarawak, Amelia Roziman, CEO of Sarawak Convention Bureau said: “I am very happy to hear that Taiwan is finally back to business, and today is the first day of a strong and positive comeback. Congratulations Taiwan for sharing this great news with the world, we wish you a successful restart and all the best.”
With an impressive line-up of international business events secured for the near future, Taiwan’s MICE industry is all set to come back with a boom, including large-scale exhibitions and conferences such as:
- November 2022: TASS 2022 (Asia's Sustainable Supply & Circular Economy Exhibition
- December 2022: TIAA 2022 (Taiwan international Intelligent Manufacturing Show
- January 2023: ISCM 2023 (International Symposium on Carbon Materials
- February 2023: APASL 2023 (Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver)
- March 2023: Taipei Cycle 2023
- April 2023: Taipei AMPA 2023
- May 2023: ASPACC 2023 (Asia-Pacific Conference on Combustion)
- June 2023: COMPUTEX 2023
- July 2023: BIO Asia-Taiwan 2023
- August 2023: IDA 2023 (International Dragon Award)
- September 2023: SEMICON Taiwan 2023
- October 2023: KFS 2023 (Kaohsiung Food Show)
- November 2023: AFACT 2023
- December 2023: APMC 2023 (Asia-Pacific Microwave Conference)