GTBA strengthens Taiwanese ties with Starlux Airlines and Edison Tours

Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA) officers and selected members had the opportunity to visit Taiwan on a familiarization trip sponsored by Starlux Airlines and Edison Travel Service. This trip not only allowed them to explore Taiwan’s tourist attractions, scenic beauty, and rich culture but also served as a means to strengthen ties between the GTBA and the sponsoring companies.

During their time in Taiwan, the team had the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture and experience the country’s diverse offerings. They had the opportunity to indulge in Taiwan’s famous street food, explore lively night markets, witness Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival,  observe at Yehliu Geopark, and shop ‘til they dropped at the Ximending Shopping area.

The familiarization trip was initiated by GTBA, which was founded by Michelle Taylan, the former President of the Philippine Travel and Tour Association. This exposure allowed them to gain valuable insights into Taiwan’s diverse offerings and enhanced their understanding of the country as a tourism destination for Filipinos.

In addition to the cultural experiences, GTBA also had a productive meeting with the representative from Taiwan Tourism Board, Mr. Rick Yu. Yu presented a wide range of incentives to encourage more visitors from the Philippines to explore Taiwan. This meeting further emphasized the commitment of the GTBA and Taiwan to strengthen their tourism relationship.

            The sponsorship from Starlux Airlines and Edison Travel Service played a significant role in facilitating the trip. Starlux Airlines, a newly operational Taiwanese airline, provides convenient air travel options to  Taipei and beyond from Manila, Clark, Cebu, making it easier for Filipinos to visit Taiwan. Starlux Airlines Senior Sales Executive, Jan Claude Angco, encourages Philippine-based travel agents to join the Taiwan government in promoting the country as a top destination for Filipino tourists and that amazing people and a rich culture awaits them.

Meanwhile, Edison Travel Service, a pioneer and leading land and tour operator, ensures that Filipino travelers has excellent support and services throughout their stay in Taiwan. Dennis Kuo of Edison Tours, says that it is their great honor and privilege to partner with ambitious premium airline STARLUX and GTBA to arrange their first Agent Familiarization Tour to Taiwan. Personally leading the tour, he made sure to make it successful and educational, providing all the participants information to market Taiwan as a destination.

We can never deny that the tourism industry will continue to flourish – just like our relationship with Taiwan, most especially to our partners, Starlux Airlines and Edison Tours. Overall, this familiarization trip has not only enhanced the understanding of the country as a tourism destination for Filipinos but also strengthened the ties between the GTBA, Starlux Airlines, and Edison Tours, paving the way for potential future collaborations and opportunities.