The Tourism Group conducted a survey of foreign visitors to Taiwan in 2023 and based on the trend of international tourists visiting Taiwan, it reveals their favorite Taiwanese foods, vacation places, souvenirs, and other information. The unexpected outcomes soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) were the first thing served when it came out of the oven rather than pearl milk tea.
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Soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) are served the favorite Taiwanese food to foreign tourists.Photo reproduced from Pixabay
Food makes up more than half of Taiwan's draw for visitors from abroad, followed by the country's natural scenery and safe environment. International visitors to Taiwan will undoubtedly visit the night market to explore different regional foods. Statistics show that the most the night market is a famous destination for international travelers, but the pearl milk tea, which was previously the most well-liked item, has plummeted to third position among night market snacks and fourth place among all Taiwanese specialties. Now, soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) are served first, followed by beef noodles and Michelin-starred cuisine.
Tourists from Europe and the United States tend to travel to Taitung and nearby islands.Photo provided by 台東觀光旅遊網
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For tourism costs, approximately 40% of international visitors are ready to spend more than US$1,000 on a single trip to Taiwan, spending more on food, housing and experiential activities, and staying for 3 to 5 days. Their preferred locations are Taipei, Kaohsiung, Tainan, etc., where the local attractions include the ocean, old streets, historical sites, and woods. Tourists from Europe and the United States are visibly different from those from Asia, and they tend to travel to Taitung and nearby islands.
The most sought-after souvenir before departing Taiwan was pineapple cake, which was followed by tea, coffee, wine, and Taichung's renowned sun cake.
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