Taiwan has nearly everything it needs to develop top quality ecotourism, which is expected to become a niche industry, although there are still some areas that require work, a long-time birder and ecotourism guide said on Wednesday.
"Richness in biodiversity, a well-developed transportation system, safety -- these three elements explain why Taiwan has become a popular destination for ecotourists from abroad," said Simon Liao (廖世卿), vice chairman of the Taiwan International Birding Association, who also works as a tour guide for foreign ecotourists.
Liao, just back from a mission to help Taiwan's Caribbean diplomatic ally Saint Lucia develop ecotourism and birding infrastructure, took time to reflect on the state of Taiwan's ecotourism on the sidelines of a press conference.
Few are aware that Taiwan has been doing well in ecotourism, attracting mostly foreign birdwatchers, Liao said.
A foreign birdwatcher spends an astonishing NT$230,000 on average during a 10-to-11-day stay in Taiwan, Liao said, adding that he once received a group of British birders who paid £5,220 (US$10,600) each for the trip.
"If you knew the business well enough, this would not be a surprise because there are `three highs' among common ecotourists: advanced age, a high level of education and a high consumption capacity," Liao said.
Hardly anyone he has received in the past has complained about the experience in Taiwan, Liao said, adding that most ecotourists came from the US, the UK, Canada, Japan and the Netherlands.
"Of course, the most impressive thing they found was the extreme friendliness of our people, which has long been known," he said.
However, bilingual services in cheaper hotels needed upgrading and more professional guides were also needed to develop a stronger ecotourism industry, he said.
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