Taiwan Rolls Out Free Tours and Discounts to Attract Visitors

Beginner | October 5, 2025

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Big Moves in Taiwan’s Tourism Strategy

Taiwan Tourism Promotions 2025 in Action

Taiwan Tourism Promotions 2025 represent the country’s major push to attract visitors through creative incentives and programs.

Expanding Travel Promotions

Taiwan is stepping up new offers and promotions to welcome more visitors in 2025. The government and city authorities are offering free tours, hotel discounts, and steep fare deals to boost tourism. (Taipei Times)

The Free Half‑Day Tour Program

For example, the Taiwan Free Half‑Day Tour lets transit or layover visitors explore Taipei and nearby areas at no cost. Eligible passengers with layovers of 7 to 24 hours can join a tour to landmarks like Lungshan Temple and the Chiang Kai‑shek Memorial Hall. (halfdaytour.taiwan.net.tw)

Discounted Transportation Offers

High‑Speed Rail Promotions

The government is also pushing transportation discounts to motivate travel across the island. Taiwan’s high‑speed rail (HSR) is offering a “buy one, get one free” ticket deal for independent tourists in 2025. (Taipei Times)

Regional Transportation Incentives

In Hualien and eastern regions more affected by natural disasters, bus services like Taiwan Tourist Shuttle are offering free rides or heavy discounts, especially for users of EasyCard and other electronic payments. (Taipei Times)

How These Offers Help Tourism Business

Boosting Visitor Numbers and Spending

These incentives under Taiwan Tourism Promotions 2025 aim to raise visitor numbers, but also lengthen stays and increase spending in restaurants, shops, and local services. Officials believe that providing free tours and steep transport discounts can turn “one‑night visitors” into multi‑day travelers.

Benefits for Local Businesses

For local businesses — hotels, cafes, souvenir shops — these promotions are opportunities to attract new customers. If tourists experience value on their first day, they may extend their stay or return in future visits.

Vocabulary

Transit (noun) – the act of passing through a place on the way to another.
Example: “Transit visitors can join the free half‑day tour.”
Layover (noun) – a short stop or break in a journey.
Example: “With a layover of 7 to 24 hours, you can explore the city.”
Eligible (adjective) – having the right to something.
Example: “Only eligible passengers may join the free tour.”
Steep (adjective) – large in amount or degree.
Example: “The city offered steep discounts to attract tourists.”
Independent (tourist) (noun) – a traveler who plans their own route rather than going with a group.
Example: “The HSR deal is for independent tourists.”
Incentive (noun) – something that encourages action.
Example: “These offers act as incentives to travel.”
Extend (verb) – to make something longer in time.
Example: “Tourists may extend their stay after enjoying the free tour.”
Souvenir (noun) – an object kept to remember a place or event.
Example: “He bought local souvenirs after the tour.”
Business‑friendly (adjective) – favorable to companies or commerce.
Example: “These policies are business‑friendly to local shops.”
Multi‑day (adjective) – lasting several days.
Example: “They hope free offers convert transit guests into multi‑day visitors.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What is the free half‑day tour offer in Taiwan?
How do the “buy one, get one free” HSR tickets encourage travel?
Why might local businesses benefit from these promotions?
What challenges might the government face when offering free services?
Which offer would you use if you visited Taiwan, and why?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Do you think free tours are effective in attracting tourists? Why or why not?
What kinds of discounts would you want when you travel abroad?
How can governments balance cost and benefit when giving away services?
How much does transportation cost affect whether you choose a travel destination?
Would discounts make you extend your trip or buy more locally?

Related Idiom

“A taste of something” – a small sample to encourage more interest.
Example: “The free tour gives tourists a taste of Taiwan and might make them stay longer.”

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This article was inspired by Taipei Times: “Taipei unveils promos to draw international tourists” and “HSR extends special fares for tourists,” and Taiwan Embassy: “Taiwan Free Half‑Day Tour for Transit Passengers.”