The Tourism Bureau has launched the sixth Taiwan Indigenous Tourism Festival, to allow people to have a better understanding of Indigenous culture. This year''s event will take place at Taipei''s Huashan 1914 Creative Park from Oct. 29 to 31. Formosa News reporter Stephany Yang gives us a preview.

Crowds gather to witness the beautiful daybreak at Alishan, famous for its sunrise over a sea of clouds. But did you know that the mountain is part of the territory of the Tsou Indigenous group? The Tourism Bureau is hoping to get people to better understand Indigenous culture and history through the 2021 Taiwan Indigenous Tourism Festival at Huashan 1914 Creative Park.

The festival will showcase the cultures of the 16 officially recognized Indigenous groups in Taiwan. There will be performances, travel package deals, DIY workshops, as well as Indigenous cuisine and artworks.

Chen Rung-chin
Alishan National Scenic Area deputy director
The Alishan National Scenic Area is well known for its ties with the Tsou Indigenous group. The area is home to nine Tsou communities. We will hold Indigenous anniversary celebrations in November and December. These are characteristic products developed by the communities. For example, speaking of the Pnguu group, they have a legend about wild boars, so many of their stone and wood carvings feature wild boars.

The government has launched subsidies to boost and revive domestic tourism. Taiwan Tourism Bureau deputy director Trust Lin says he says he envisions a new trend in tourism in the post-pandemic world.

Trust Lin
Taiwan Tourism Bureau deputy director general
The trends for post-pandemic travel are: smaller crowds, outdoors, and close to the mountains and ocean. This is the so-called healing tourism. Indigenous tourism is characterized by smaller crowds, visiting Indigenous communities in the mountains and the coast. Indigenous tourism is actually very suitable for travel in the new post-pandemic normal. People can also travel to Indigenous communities and gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan. Quintuple Stimulus Vouchers, travel vouchers and other vouchers can be used when visiting Indigenous communities. People can learn more about these itineraries and get additional discounts at the Taiwan Indigenous Tourism Festival.

Organizers hope to promote tourism and preserve Indigenous culture in the post-pandemic world.