To promote Taiwan as a new destination for international youth and student travelers, the country’s National Youth Commission has proclaimed 2006 as the Taiwan International Youth Travel Year.

At the Taipei International Travel Fair, Taiwan announced an initiative to increase the number of young travelers and students visiting the Asian island nation. The country’s National Youth Commission has proclaimed 2006, International Youth Travel Year with lots of incentives and special initiatives geared to young travelers.

To celebrate Youth Travel Year, the National Youth Commission will introduce new incentive programs, including discounts, travel cards and work opportunities, to encourage young overseas travelers to visit Taiwan.

There will be eight main themes to Youth Travel Year:

• Working holidays



• Taiwanese cuisine



• Youth guesthouse network



• Living in an aboriginal village



• Natural wonders



• Learning Chinese



• Traditional festivals (like the Matsu Pilgrimage)



• Ilha Formosa Music Festival

Taiwan’s long-term goal is to increase the portion of international youth and student travelers to 25 percent of the total number of annual overseas visitors by 2008. To accomplish this, in addition to the Youth Travel Year the government plans to create a user-friendly youth travel environment in public transportation, accommodations and services. For example, Taiwan Railway and Taipei MRT will provide specific space for bikes and backpacks. The National Youth Commission plans to work with the country’s airlines to provide special discounts during off-peak periods and with local bus companies to offer special reductions for young travelers and carry-on facilities for bicycles. Additionally, the government plans to establish a budget accommodation system, publish youth travel brochures, enhance and expand Chinese language and cooking courses and coordinate short-term work exchange programs.