Taipei, Taiwan, has secured the title of the best leisure destination in Asia once again, according to the 12th Leisure Lifestyle Awards by U.S.-based magazine Global Traveler, announced by the Tourism Administration on August 7th.

Lin I-chen, director of the TA's Los Angeles office, expressed gratitude to Global Traveler and its readers during her acceptance speech at the awards ceremony. She attributed Taipei's win to the collaborative efforts within Taiwan's tourism sector and the warm hospitality of its people. Lin extended a welcoming invitation to global travelers to explore the country and take advantage of various government incentives.

The Tourism Administration highlighted the success of its “TAIWAN – Waves of Wonder” promotion campaign, which aims to position Taiwan as a premier destination for travelers. Taiwan's appeal lies in its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, efficient transportation networks, and renowned cuisine. Notably, Taiwan boasts 44 Michelin-starred restaurants, offering a diverse culinary experience.

Global Traveler's award results were based on a reader poll conducted from July 15, 2023, to March 8, 2024, covering various categories including airlines, airports, cruises, hotels, and services. Taoyuan International Airport in northern Taiwan also secured fifth place in the ranking of best airports for layouts.

In related findings, a survey by the TA revealed that visitors from South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. were the top spenders in Taiwan in 2023. Despite pandemic challenges, Taiwan welcomed 6.49 million foreign visitors that year, reaching 55% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Travelers from Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Macau, and Japan accounted for significant portions of the total visits.

Taipei’s recognition underscores Taiwan’s growing prominence as a favored destination in Asia, celebrated for its cultural richness and welcoming atmosphere.