"CNN Exploration - Reporter John Ripley Travels to Taiwan to Disclose the Approach of the Island's Health and Wellness Aspiration"
**Taiwan's Blossoming Health and Wellness Tourism Scene**
Taiwan, famed worldwide for its bubble tea, is making a name for itself in a new arena - health and wellness tourism. Amidst a decline in overall tourist numbers, the island is reemerging as a prime destination for wellness experiences, thanks to its natural landscapes, infrastructure investments, and cultural appeal that nurture both body and mind.
At the forefront of this movement is the cycling tourism sector, spearheaded by Giant, the world's largest bicycle manufacturer based in Taiwan. Over the past decade, Taiwan has invested hundreds of millions of New Taiwan dollars in cycling infrastructure, creating a nearly 1,000-kilometer route around the island. Giant leverages this by offering dozens of cycling tours that attract wellness tourists eager to explore Taiwan's scenic mountains, forests, lakes, and beaches actively by bike.
The traditional tea industry is another key player in Taiwan's wellness tourism growth. Lionel Lin, a third-generation farmer, uses social media to share Taiwan's traditional tea culture with global audiences. His efforts, combined with Taiwan's renowned tea production, especially Oolong tea, are helping to promote Taiwan as a destination for health-conscious travellers seeking cultural experiences and natural products that promote relaxation and wellbeing.
KKday, a Taiwanese travel e-commerce company, is also contributing to the growth of health and wellness tourism by providing easy access to curated tours and activities focused on wellness. Their platform helps connect international travellers to specialized wellness offerings such as cycling trips, tea tours, spa experiences, and nature excursions.
Taiwan's emphasis on sustainable tourism that blends physical activities like cycling with cultural and natural experiences positions it well for the global health tourism market, which continues to grow rapidly, including in nearby Asia-Pacific regions.
In the realm of media, CNN International is at the forefront of digital innovation, investing heavily in expanding its digital global footprint. With a portfolio available in seven languages across various platforms, reaching over 379 million households worldwide, CNN International is set to showcase Taiwan's health and wellness tourism offerings in a 30-minute special titled "Next Stop: Taiwan". The programme will air on Saturday, 19 July at 12:30pm HKT, Sunday, 20 July at 6pm HKT, and Monday, 21 July at 1:30am HKT.
As Taiwan continues to develop its health and wellness tourism sector, it is clear that the island is poised to become a leading destination for travellers seeking a holistic and culturally rich experience that nurtures both body and mind.
[1] Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Taiwan [2] KKday [3] Teascent Valley [4] Giant [5] CNN International [6] Next Stop: Taiwan trailer: http://bit.ly/44LuRGO [7] Next Stop: Taiwan images: https://bit.ly/4kFDN6G
- Visitors can expect a unique blend of food-and-drink experiences, especially Taiwan's renowned Oolong tea, and lifestyle immersion among the island's traditional tea culture along with wellness activities such as cycling tours, spa experiences, and nature excursions.
- After exploring the scenic landscapes by bike and savoring the local tea culture, travelers can unwind in their home-and-garden accommodations, further experiencing Taiwan's commitment to promoting relaxation and wellbeing throughout their journey.