September 9, 2025 – Kaohsiung
With visa-free travel fueling demand, Filipino visitors to Taiwan surpassed 470,000 last year and are projected to exceed 600,000 this year. To seize this momentum, Kaohsiung City has launched a “Kaohsiung Bear Theme Display” at the Taiwan Tourism Information Center (TTIC) in Manila, highlighting iconic attractions and cultural products featuring the city’s mascot, Kaohsiung Bear.
Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau Director Kao Min-lin led a 60-member delegation of tourism industry representatives to Manila, accompanied by Kaohsiung Bear, the city’s tourism ambassador. The team hosted a promotional event under the slogan “Tara Na! Kaohsiung” (“Come to Kaohsiung”), introducing local operators to Kaohsiung’s diverse travel options. The campaign also featured a well-known Filipino social media influencer, which drew strong interest from Philippine travel industry insiders.
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Ambassador Zhou Ming-an stressed that the Philippines has become one of Taiwan’s top five inbound tourism markets, with more than 310,000 Filipino visitors recorded in the first half of 2025 alone. He added that the annual figure could surpass 600,000. Zhou also revealed plans to promote closer ties between Kaohsiung and Northern Luzon provinces through cultural exchanges, as well as encourage direct charter flights and cruise routes.
From the private sector, Agoda Philippines General Manager Mike Hwang noted that since Taiwan introduced visa-free entry for Filipinos in 2017, the growth has been steady, with projections that Filipino arrivals could surpass one million by 2027. He emphasized that Filipino travelers are highly influenced by social media recommendations, and Kaohsiung’s affordability, scenic attractions, and convenient travel access give it a competitive advantage.
Gian Carlo, AirAsia Philippines Commercial Director, reported that the average passenger load factor for Kaohsiung flights in the first half of this year was 83%, with Filipino travelers making up 80% of passengers—mostly independent tourists. He said the strong demand could lead to increased flight frequencies.
Meanwhile, Pan Pacific General Manager Cherie Bautista, representing one of the Philippines’ top three tour operators, said her company is prioritizing outbound travel to Taiwan. Their current offers include an 8-day, 7-night package with two nights in Kaohsiung, and the firm is exploring future “Fly-Cruise” packages combining air travel and cruise experiences departing from Kaohsiung.
With strategic partnerships, targeted promotions, and growing transport links, Kaohsiung City is positioning itself as a must-visit destination for the rising wave of Filipino tourists.
