Taiwan surpasses 4 million visitors for 2009

The four millionth tourist to Taiwan in 2009 arrived on Saturday, 5^th of December, the first time that tourist arrivals to Taiwan will surpass the four million mark, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) said Friday.

The lucky visitor received a debit card with a cash value of NT$400,000 (US$12,353) for exclusive use in Taiwan during their visit, bureau officials said. To attract more tourists to Taiwan, the Tourism Bureau launched the incentive offer this year as part of an ambitious program to increase the number of visitors.

Focusing on the high-tech and manufacturing sectors in the past, Taiwan has long neglected promoting the tourism sector. But in recent years, it has recognized that its abundance of scenic natural beauty – including majestic mountains and beautiful coastlines – as well as cultural assets, are resources it can use to develop the tourism industry and boost economic growth.

The one millionth, two millionth and three millionth visitors received debit cards earlier this year, but with a lower value. Last year, more than 3.84 million visitors traveled to Taiwan, according to official figures.

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