TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s outbound travel continued to outpace inbound tourism last year, with overseas trips by Taiwanese rising 12.43% year on year to 18.9 million, according to the Tourism Administration.

Japan remained the top destination for Taiwanese travelers, accounting for 34% of all outbound trips, followed by China and South Korea, per CNA.

Inbound tourism to Taiwan reached 8,574,547 visits in 2025, a 9% annual increase. The resulting tourism deficit totaled 10,369,889 visits, reflecting a long-standing imbalance between outbound and inbound travel.

Data showed the average spending per visitor to Taiwan in 2024 was NT$40,106 (US$1,276), while the average overseas spending per Taiwanese traveler was NT$55,541. Based on these figures, the estimated tourism revenue deficit stood at about NT$701 billion.

The Tourism Administration said the gap between inbound and outbound tourism in 2025 was mainly influenced by exchange rates, the resumption of international flights after the COVID pandemic, geopolitical factors, and relaxed visa policies offered by competing destinations.

The agency noted that since 1980, Taiwan’s tourism market has consistently recorded more outbound than inbound travel, benefiting domestic airlines as well as the tourism, insurance, and retail sectors.

To boost inbound arrivals, the Tourism Administration said it is promoting four major initiatives: increasing incentives for repeat visits by international tourists; offering incentives to attract meetings, conferences, and exhibitions; encouraging incentive travel; and supporting internationally renowned concerts and large-scale events.

With visitor numbers gradually stabilizing, the agency said international tourism assessments are shifting beyond headcounts to include spending levels and the depth of visitor stays. It is projected that inbound tourism revenue will grow by about 2% to 4% annually this year, driven mainly by long-haul markets and longer-stay travelers.