MEET TAIWAN director Chang Shu-Yi (middle) and deputy managing director Jerchin Lee (right). Photo Credit: MEET TAIWAN
Taiwan Incentive Talk wrapped up to resounding success on 26 August, a hybrid event that connected more than 100 Asia MICE planners from nine countries with 20 Taiwanese exhibitors.
Organised by MEET TAIWAN, with the support of Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), the event gathered local suppliers at POPOP Taipei — a former bottle cap factory that has since been transformed into a venue for exhibitions, concerts, and creative events — who connected with Asia MICE planners via an interactive virtual platform.
Taiwanese exhibitors gathered at POPOP Taipei, a creative space for events, to connect with Asia MICE planners via an interactive virtual platform.“Despite the pandemic, we’re looking for ways to open up trade doors by using online and offline methods to connect," said Chang Shu-Yi, director, bureau of foreign trade, MOEA.
Chang added that the hybrid meet supported a 2020 survey targeting eight Asian key source markets, where incentives professionals voted Taiwan, Japan and Korea as the top three incentives destinations.
A new way to connect
Attendees from Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, India, Macau and Taiwan logged in for the virtual programme, which included quizzes with hotel giveaways, one-to-one meetings, and a destination update from MEET TAIWAN.
MEET TAIWAN deputy managing director, Jerchin Lee, said Taiwan will likely target smaller incentive groups with customised travel arrangements that allow visitors to gain a deeper understanding of local cultures, crafts, and the environment.MEET TAIWAN deputy managing director, Jerchin Lee, said: "Everyone is recommending their city as the ideal incentive destination post Covid-19 — and Taiwan is no exception, with our delicious food, safety and success in pandemic fighting, and our global leadership in sectors such as the bicycle and semi-conductor market."
Lee also pointed to some potential new educational tour options for corporate groups: "When the pandemic started to spread Taiwan produced and supplied masks in a very short time, both domestically and overseas. So perhaps, factory tours for mask making and also for semi-conductors — seeing as we produce half of the world's supply."
Taiwan's scenic landscape and nature reserves are also expected to be a drawcard. "Because of the growing number of people who prefer outdoor activities due to the pandemic, outdoor tourism is becoming a major business travel choice," Lee added.
MEET TAIWAN also presented an adrenaline-packed video on Taiwan's MICE venues, filmed parkour-style, which received praise across the virtual show floor.
Buyer insights
In what Chang described as "building a bridge of friendship online," local exhibitors shared destination updates and future predictions with MICE planners from across the region.
Singapore-based Daniel Lim from DnG-MICE said: "It’s good to connect and re-connect now — instead of only going around looking for contacts when borders open. Once our clients are ready, at least we know where to recommend, and Taiwan is one of the safest countries."
Along with Pacific Arena's Stanley Yew and 8th Wave MD Kristina Forssell, American Express Global Business Travel meetings manager, Kelly Ke, also joined the event. Based in Taipei, Ke said a recent pandemic-induced pause in physical events spurred her interest to join as a virtual delegate.
It's the same for Jakarta-based Budi Gani, director at Great Union Tour. While he has relied mainly on domestic business for past 18 months, he previously sent "a lot of incentive groups to Taiwan" and highlighted the advantage of receiving continued destination updates and meeting new faces through virtual events.
MEET TAIWAN appointed Northstar Travel Group as the event co-organiser and media partner for Taiwan Incentive Talk.
A second edition of Taiwan Incentive Talk, focused on the country's vibrant harbour cities, will be held on 21 October.
Register your interest here.