Taiwan’s tourism factories post record revenues in 2016

2017/02/22

Revenue at Taiwan’s tourism factories surged 15 percent to reach a record high of NT$4.6 billion (US$149.2 million) in 2016, highlighting the growing popularity of the facilities among local and international visitors, according to the government-supported Industrial Technology Research Institute.

“By offering in-depth guided tours of production facilities and processes, as well as product displays and hands-on activities, local tourism factories are providing visitors with unique and memorable experiences,” said Tsai Hsiu-ju, a product manager in ITRI’s Industry Cluster Innovation Development Department. “We expect them to register further growth in visitor numbers and revenues in the year ahead.”

ITRI data show tourism factories attracted 22.1 million visitors last year, more than double the approximately 10 million recorded in 2012. This growth trend is expected to continue, with industry revenues projected to hit NT$5.2 billion for 2017, the institute added.

The number of tourism factories in Taiwan has risen sharply since the Industrial Development Bureau under the Ministry of Economic Affairs launched a promotional initiative in 2003 aimed at helping traditional manufacturers boost their incomes and brand awareness by attracting visitors. ITRI implements the project on the behalf of the bureau, assisting local companies in establishing dedicated tourism facilities and adopting modern marketing strategies.

According to the institute, there are currently some 130 tourism factories in Taiwan. ITRI divides these into five main categories: art and culture; daily necessities; health and beauty; home life; and wine and fine foods.

To build awareness of the facilities among foreign visitors, the MOEA in 2013 introduced its International Spotlight Tourism Factory project to highlight sites that provide tours and other services in foreign languages. Factories chosen by the ministry are featured in international promotional campaigns.

So far, a total of eight tourism factories have been selected for participation in the project. Five of these are located in northern Taiwan, namely Shou Sin Fang Creativity Wagashi and Cultural Center and W&W Jewelry Museum, both in New Taipei City; as well as Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry; Republic of Chocolate; and Sha Yang Ye Robot Wonderland Pavilion of Future in Taoyuan City.

The others are Brand’s Health Museum in central Taiwan’s Changhua County; Taiwan Metal Creation Museum in the southern city of Tainan; and Taiwan Soya Mixed Meat Museum in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=6&post=111715)