TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kaohsiung is targeting tourists from Hong Kong to boost the city’s tourism sector.

Kaohsiung received about 134,000 visitors from Hong Kong and Macau from January to June, a 59% increase from the same period last year, per CNA. Hong Kong is Taiwan’s second-largest source of tourists, with 676,000 visitors from January to July. 

Japan remains the number one source of tourists, with 683,000 visitors in the same period, the tourism bureau said. 

Kaohsiung’s tourism bureau partnered with Lihpao Resort Fullon Hotel and EVA Airways to organize tours for Hong Kong’s tourism association and media members. The bureau also invited travel agency employees on sightseeing tours of Kaohsiung’s most scenic spots, including Pier-2 Art Center and Great Harbor Bridge (大港橋). 

Kaohsiung is the city closest to Hong Kong in Taiwan, with a flight time of only 90 minutes. There are 75 flights from Hong Kong to Kaohsiung each week. 

The tourism bureau has also launched incentives for international group visitors to Kaohsiung. Tourists in a travel group of 15 or more people can apply for an accommodation subsidy of NT$400 per night, up to two nights.