Northstar

May-Jun 2017 35 meetings & conventions • mcmag-asia.com IT'S MORE FUN IN THE NORTH For an eco team bonding experience, spend a day in nature at Neidong National Forest Recreation Area, Wulai, in New Taipei City, for a half-day hike to explore its ecological diversity and scenic beauty. Alternatively, visit the 'flower kingdom' of nearby Taoyuan, mountainous Hsinchu, or harbour city of Keelung. With 2017 marked as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, there's no better place than Taiwan to integrate ecotourism into your business meetings. B lessed with a central location, world- class MICE facilities and five-star hotels, Taiwan is a hot destination both for incentive travel and conventions. In Asia Pacific, Taiwan is a frontrunner, along with countries like Singapore, Thailand and India, in terms of the total number of international conferences held. As more corporate groups are choosing to hold their events in Taiwan, here's why you should follow suit: 1. EASE OF TRANSPORTATION Whether you come from Shanghai, Seoul, Tokyo or Singapore, Taiwan's strategic location makes flying here a breeze, with flight times as short as two to four hours. Once you've set foot on the island, get around like a local with convenient public transportation systems that include rental bicycles, public buses, railways, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), as well as the brand-new Airport MRT, which began in March this year. 2. RICH HISTORY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE Besides its passionate hospitality, Taiwan is also known for having a diverse culture. Corporate groups can enjoy memorable and traditional experiences such as dancing with aboriginals, visiting traditional Buddhist and Taoist temples and sending colourful lanterns into the sky. Whichever you choose, MEET TAIWAN can help to curate itineraries just for you. Taiwan: Island of Endless Rewards S P E C I A L F E A T U R E 3. ABUNDANT VENUES AND TEAMBUILDING ACTIVITIES The island is packed with sophisticated MICE facilities that are suitable for exhibitions and international conferences, such as the Taipei International Convention Center (TICC) and Kaohsiung Exhibition Center (KEC). There are also over 400 MICE-qualified hotels offering seamless support to ensure the success of your event. Business travellers can experience team-building activities such as scenic nature retreats and recreational itineraries, for example, rafting in Xiuguluan River or cycling on one of the most beautiful bike trails around the island. 4. ENDLESS RECREATION When in Taiwan, there is no lack of delicious food and drinks — think unique street foods like bubble milk tea and gourmet delicacies such as those served by the Michelin-starred Din Tai Fung restaurant. After a day of corporate meetings, delegates can relax in comforting hot springs on Yangming Mountain or soak in hot baths around Sun Moon Lake. 5. GENEROUS SUPPORT To top it off, there are generous government subsidies for meeting planners who plan to hold an event or incentive travel in Taiwan. They can also benefit from MEET TAIWAN's wide-ranging services, which include recommendations for venues, tailored itineraries, designated account managers, and professional assistance for meeting and travel requirements. TAIWAN'S MICE PROMOTION PROGRAM (MEET TAIWAN) Sponsored by Bureau of Foreign Trade, MOEA Organized by Taiwan External Trade Development Council Ad. by Bureau of Foreign Trade, MOEA Bikeway at Sun Moon Lake Taipei

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