In the heart of Bonifacio Global City, a slice of Taipei came alive, inviting Filipinos to “Feel Your Heartbeat in Taipei” through a vibrant showcase of culture, food, and friendship.
The two-day tourism promotion, hosted by the Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government, was a strategic effort to attract high-potential Filipino tourists following the recent visa-free policy between Taiwan and the Philippines. This initiative signals a strong, shared commitment to strengthening the ties between the two nations, which are seeing a growing number of two-way exchanges.
The event’s opening ceremony brought together key figures from the travel industry, including Mr. Dominic Castillejos, Vice President for Inbound of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA). Castillejos praised the event as a “celebration of friendship, cultural exchange, and shared passion for tourism” and a “testament to the vibrant relationship between Taipei and the Philippines.” He highlighted Taipei’s appeal, noting its “rich street food, culture, the fascinating blend of modernity and tradition, or the warm and welcoming spirit of its people.”
“This event is more than a simple promotion; it’s a bridge-building effort that strengthens the ties between our two destinations,” Mr. Castillejos said. “The Philippine Travel Agencies Association is fully committed to supporting these initiatives, and we believe that sustained collaboration will open new doors for travel, investment, and friendship between our people.”
Influencers and industry leaders support tourism launch
The event’s message was amplified by prominent Filipino influencers who shared their personal travel stories and favorite Taipei experiences.
Vins Carlos and Yosh Dimen (rightmost) of “The Poor Traveler” together with Krisell Lumagui (2nd from left), during the Q&A session
Vins Carlos and Yosh Dimen of “The Poor Traveler” recommended Taipei’s famous night markets for their “delicious street food” and “incredibly friendly” vendors, while Krisell Lumagui (“Mommy Kris”) highlighted the city’s family-friendly nature, noting it makes “traveling with children easy and enjoyable.”
Their firsthand accounts brought Taipei’s allure to life, showing how the city’s attractions resonate deeply with various segments of the Filipino market.
Krisell Lumagui at the “Taipei Love Confession Wall Station“
Following the ceremony, the four interactive “Heartbeat Experience Stations” were officially opened to the public, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. Visitors could explore activities like the “Taipei Love Confession Wall Station,” the “Taipei Postcard Coloring Station,” and the “Spin the Taipei Lucky Wheel Station.”
The venue was packed with a continuous flow of visitors, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. Participants who completed all four experience stations received a beautifully designed eco-friendly tote bag and had a chance to win exciting prizes, such as a round-trip ticket from Manila to Taipei sponsored by Philippine Airlines or a dinner voucher for two aboard Taipei’s double-decker sightseeing bus.
In a heartbeat: Interactive attractions and forward-looking strategy
Looking beyond the event itself, officials highlighted the broader vision for sustained tourism growth.
Photo shows Mr. Dustin Yang (5th from left), Deputy Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, together with Ms. Krisel Lumagui, Ms. Jel Directo, Mr. Paul Hsieh, Mr. Jeffrey Lin, Ms. Mei-Yun Hung, Mr. Dominic Castillejos, and “The Poor Traveler‘s” Vins Carlos and Yosh Dimen
Mr. Dustin Yang, Deputy Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, noted that in the previous year, “almost half a million” Filipino tourists visited Taiwan, making the Philippines a “very important” market. He expressed his belief that the current visa-free policy is a “very wise policy for both governments” and would “continue year after year.”
“Taiwan and the Philippines share similar values, particularly our respect for elders and love for family, which makes this visa-free policy a great success,” Mr. Yang said. “This cultural affinity, combined with Taiwan’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, makes it a very attractive destination for Filipino tourists, and we believe this exchange will continue for many years to come.”
The promotion in BGC is a key part of a comprehensive marketing campaign that also includes billboards and mobile advertisements in Metro Manila, along with collaborations with Filipino influencers.
Looking ahead, the department plans to design 12 customized travel itineraries for Southeast Asian markets, with specific routes tailored for Filipino travelers. These routes include a “Retro-Cultural Route” featuring attractions like Dadaocheng and Dihua Street; a “Family-Friendly Route” connecting Beitou Hot Springs and the Taipei Children’s Amusement Park; and an “Urban Trendy Route” covering Taipei 101 and the Xinyi shopping district. The department will also continue to enhance Taipei’s appeal through localized marketing, positioning the city as a top travel destination.
Each itinerary highlights the tourism attractions of Taipei while aligning with the travel preferences of Filipino tourists, aiming to effectively engage target audiences.
