TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan’s total number of visitors from overseas so far this year reached 6.49 million Tuesday (Nov. 12), exceeding the 2023 total of 6.48 million, according to the Tourism Administration.

The government’s original target had been to record 12 million arrivals for this year, or more than the total of 11 million reported annually before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the target has since been reduced to 10 million, and then to 8 million.

The Tourism Administration said 7.5 million would not be a problem, but efforts were underway to reach 8 million, per CNA. The last-ditch push to achieve the target includes campaigns with airlines, high-speed rail, and travel agencies.

New tourism information centers will be launched in the Philippines capital Manila by the end of the year, with Amsterdam in the Netherlands and Sydney, Australia, following next year. Earlier this year, the Tourism Administration set up marketing offices in Jakarta, Mumbai, Paris, and Vancouver.

Major overseas promotional campaigns over the past year included: “Taiwan – Waves of Wonder” and “Share, Discover, Engage, Enjoy,” focusing on the country’s natural beauty and diverse culture. Separate campaigns also targeted transit passengers, convention attendants, and cruise travelers, per Radio Taiwan International.