TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Taiwan Tourism Administration delegation held its first-ever tourism promotion event in Rome on Tuesday. 

The event was held to help the Italian tourism sector understand Taiwan's geography and culture. It featured Italian-language presentations, games, tea tasting, and business networking sessions. Approximately 40 representatives from the travel industry and media attended, CNA reported.

TTA Director-General Chou Yung-hui (周永暉) and Taiwan Visitors Association Secretary-General Chung Yi-ning (鐘逸寧) are leading the delegation around Europe. The group will stop in Milan and Amsterdam.

Taiwan Representative to Italy Tsai Yun-chung (蔡允中) said Taiwan is in talks with Italy to increase direct flights from seven to 19 per week. Beyond natural scenery and cuisine, Taiwan also has smart city infrastructure in many of its urban areas, allowing visitors to experience how high-tech is integrated into daily life, Tsai said.

He expressed optimism about the government’s intention to set up a tourism promotion office in Rome. He pointed out that about 250,000 Taiwanese visit Europe annually, while 250,000 to 300,000 Europeans travel to Taiwan each year, reflecting close and frequent people-to-people interactions.