TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A Filipino actress's promotion campaign has led to a surge in tourists visiting Taiwan from the Philippines.
On Sunday, the Tourism Administration said endorsements by Gabbi Garcia and her boyfriend Khalil Ramos have increased the number of Filipino tourists visiting Taiwan by 35% this year. The administration hoped a second trip would attract even more Filipino travelers during Christmas.
The Tourism Administration invited Gracia and Ramos as ambassadors for the Philippine market this year. They used the Tagalog slogan “Panahon sa Taiwan: Ang Iyong Love Story," which means "Create Your Taiwan Love Story.”

The Philippines became Taiwan’s largest source of tourists in Southeast Asia. Over 370,000 Filipino tourists visited Taiwan from January to October, representing a 35% increase compared to last year.
Since Christmas is a popular time for Filipinos to go abroad, the Tourism Administration hoped to build on this momentum by offering Filipino tourists expanded travel options. Garcia and Ramos started a second trip to Taiwan on Dec. 13, traveling north to south to explore winter attractions.
This new itinerary will include Pier-2 Art Center, Kaohsiung Music Center, and Michelin-starred restaurants. The goal is to encourage Filipino tourists to explore central and southern Taiwan, gain in-depth travel experiences, and create personal memories.

Garcia and Ramos held meet-and-greet fan events in Taipei and Kaohsiung on Dec. 14 and 15. Huang I-cheng (黃易成), the head of the administration's International Affairs Division, attended the Taipei event to thank the two ambassadors for attracting tourists and to welcome all Filipino visitors to Taiwan.
Huang said that through international promotional campaigns and endorsements, Filipino visitors to Taiwan have grown significantly. Huang said the administration will establish a Taiwan tourism service office in Manila on Dec. 20 to enhance local tourism consultation services.
In addition, Huang said the administration will work with Philippine travel agencies to package new Taiwan travel packages.
