In order to invigorate long-ignored youth and student travel industry Taiwan’s National Youth Commission has proclaimed 2006 as Taiwan International Youth Travel Year.

The ambitious program aims to bring in at least 1.25 million young travellers into Taiwan this year.

“The youth travel market is one that we can no longer ignore. First, they tend to stay in a country longer than the average tourist, and second, repeat-visits among young travellers are quite high,” Steven Kuo, deputy director general of the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, told local tour operators.

To this effect a number of activities, special events, discounts, travel cards and work opportunities have been planned to lure a record number of young people from around the globe. There are eight main themes to the Taiwan International Youth Travel Year: Taiwanese Cuisine, Youth Guesthouse Network, Living in an Aboriginal Village, Natural Wonders, Learning Chinese, Traditional Festivals, Ilha Formosa Music Festival and Working Holidays.

With the coming tourism improvements and welcoming efforts of the Commission, right now could be the best time for young people to visit Taiwan.

More information can be obtained here:
http://www.etaiwannews.com , http://www.etravelblackboard.com