There are tourism launches, and then there are the kind where someone cuts a ribbon, mumbles a few words, and everyone drifts off in search of the canapés. And then there are the rare ones that actually feel like something is happening.
Taiwan’s new Tourism Information Centre in Sydney? File that firmly under the second category.
Why? Because Australians and New Zealanders are discovering Taiwan in droves. Visitor numbers from this corner of the world jumped 26% last year, and the forecast for 2025 is another 16% up. In an industry where single digits make people dance in the aisles, those numbers are bordering on euphoric.
A Straight-Talking Tourism Boss
Enter Mr Shih-fang Huang, Deputy Director General of the Taiwan Tourism Administration, who flew in to mark the occasion.
“Australian travellers are adventurous and discerning, seeking meaningful cultural encounters and authentic nature experiences, and Taiwan has it all,” he said, with the calm certainty that only comes from knowing you’ve got a destination worth bragging about.
He wasn’t wrong. Taiwan has quietly been stockpiling all the ingredients Australians like in a holiday food that knocks your socks off, landscapes that make your Instagram feed look professional, and a culture that manages to be both ancient and hip at the same time.
Why Aussies Are Hooked
Officials unveiled the Taiwan Tourism Information Centre, Sydney, on 25 September 2025. From left, David Wu – Director General of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Sydney, Douglas Hsu- Representative of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Australia, Shih-fang Huang- Deputy Director General of Taiwan Tourism Administration & Paul Shih- Director of Taiwan Tourism Administration Singapore Office.
Ask an Australian why they’re booking Taiwan and you’ll hear a familiar refrain: “Because it’s different.”
Different from Bali’s cocktails-by-the-pool. Different from Thailand’s sunburnt package tours. Different from Japan’s Disneyland-for-grown-ups vibe.
Taiwan offers:
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Hot springs steaming in mountain villages.
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Temples dripping with incense and history.
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Taroko Gorge, a slice of nature that makes the Blue Mountains look like a weekend park stroll.
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Night markets where the smell of fried chicken and bubble tea wafts through neon-lit alleys.
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Safety and friendliness mean you can wander without worry.
And here’s the kicker: all of this is available with efficient transport and a price tag that doesn’t require a second mortgage.
Festivals That Put the Fun Back Into Travel
Taiwan is a nation that loves a good celebration, and the 2025/26 lineup looks like it was scripted for travellers from Down Under.
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Lantern Festival, March 2026 (Chiayi): Imagine Vivid Sydney – but swap the corporate logos for glowing dragons.
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Moonlight Sea Concerts (June–Sept): Live music, art installations, and the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop.
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Autumn Cycling & Birdwatching: For those who think Lycra and binoculars belong in the same suitcase.
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Winter Hot Spring & Fine Cuisine Carnival: Steam rising from the pools, Michelin-level food on the table.
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Christmasland & Taipei 101 New Year Countdown: If your idea of a party is a million people looking up at fireworks, Taiwan’s got you covered.
The Taiwan Tourism Administration hosted a media event in Sydney on 25 September 2025.
Getting There Without the Drama
Here’s where Taiwan really scores. You can fly out of Auckland directly with China Airlines and EVA Air from Australia or Air New Zealand. Add connections through the big hubs Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and you’ll be tucking into dumplings before your jetlag can kick in.
The new Sydney TTIC office at Market Street is the cherry on top, a one-stop shop for advice, brochures, and, if we’re honest, a gentle shove towards booking that trip you’ve been “thinking about” for years.
Taiwan Means Business
This isn’t just about opening an office and hoping people wander in. Taiwan is backing it up with billboards in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland and a full slate of trade shows and roadshows across the Tasman.
For once, this isn’t a case of “build it, and they will come.” The crowds are already coming, and Taiwan wants to make sure they keep arriving in even greater numbers.
Time to Pack the Bags
For decades, Taiwan has been the underdog of Asian tourism, admired quietly but rarely picked first. Now, the tide has turned. Aussies and Kiwis are heading there not out of obligation but genuine excitement.
This is Taiwan’s moment. The food’s sizzling, the lanterns are glowing, the mountains are misty, and the welcome couldn’t be warmer.
So if you’re still dithering over where to book next year, here’s the blunt truth: Taiwan’s not waiting. And neither should you.
