Unseen Taiwan: Discover the culinary and cultural gems!

Unseen Taiwan: Discover the culinary and cultural gems!

The travel industry is on the verge of change, and Asia's unique backdrop shows how important sustainable travel has become. A brand new campaign called “Unseen Taiwan” brings together various attractions and ideas to not only attract travelers, but also sustainably promote them. The campaign is part of the broader Taiwan 3.0 strategy and aims to make the country even more attractive as a travel destination for 2025.

The initiative offers an exciting mix of culinary experiences ranging from Taipei street food to fine dining. The focus is also on promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle (LOHAS) as well as deeper insights into local cultural heritage, especially in cities such as Tainan, Kaohsiung and Penghu. The director of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau in Bangkok, Cindy Chen, emphasizes that tourists aged 20 to 49 in particular show an interest in individual experiences and are willing to invest in them. Post Today reports a 14 percent increase in spending by Thai travelers in Taiwan in the first nine months of 2025, with particularly strong increases in the restaurant and retail industries.

Travel consciously and do good

With a growing awareness of social, ecological and economic sustainability, the concept of sustainable travel has also come to the fore. More and more travelers want to make their vacations socially responsible and resource-efficient, which means they are aware of the impact of their trip on the environment and local communities. Important trend topics in tourism until 2030 include the focus on “environment and climate” as well as “slow tourism” – the slow exploration of destinations.

Slow, deliberate moves in the tourism scene help minimize negative environmental impacts and maximize positive effects for local communities. An example of this is the increasing demand for less visited travel destinations. Around 50 percent of international travelers prefer to visit places away from mass tourism. Initiatives from countries such as Bhutan, Indonesia and Laos, which are already doing pioneering work in the area of ​​sustainable tourism, also come into play here. Statista explains that more than a third of German travelers are already traveling with sustainability in mind, which shows a clear trend.

Asia's Undiscovered Gems

Asia offers numerous undiscovered gems that appeal to sustainable travelers. Places like Bhutan, the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia, Palawan in the Philippines, Sikkim in India and Luang Prabang in Laos score with a clear focus on sustainability and ecotourism. Bhutan, for example, imposes a daily tourist tax that helps promote education and health. The aim of this approach is to further expand sustainable tourism and protect natural resources. Innovative transport solutions and environmentally friendly accommodation enrich travel experiences and further reduce negative impacts. Travellus highlights the importance of supporting local businesses and maintaining respect for traditional cultures when choosing travel destinations.

Overall, it is clear that the travel industry is facing a decisive shift that will benefit both the individual traveler and the communities visited. Thailand, with its diverse initiatives and growing awareness of sustainable tourism, could benefit significantly from these developments if users continue to actively embrace environmentally friendly offerings. The future of travel is in our hands - and a good knack for exciting, sustainable experiences pays off.