TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kaohsiung's inaugural “Tall Bear” hot air balloon made its international debut at the 2025 Singha International Balloon Fiesta in Thailand, held from Feb. 13 to 17.

As the largest balloon festival in Southeast Asia, the event showcases vibrant hot air balloon displays, live performances, and immersive cultural activities, according to Thailand Now.

Tall Bear, Kaohsiung’s official tourism mascot, participated alongside 22 other hot air balloons from 13 countries. Featuring “Taiwan” and “Kaohsiung Love” emblazoned on its surface, the bear-themed balloon quickly became a popular photo attraction. Standing 28.3 m tall and with a volume of 3,400 cubic meters, it has a maximum carrying capacity of 1,173 kg, per CNA.

Kaohsiung welcomed 67.9 million visitors in 2024, an 11.8% increase from the previous year, according to the Tourism Bureau. Last year, the bureau led a promotional delegation to Bangkok, strengthening tourism ties and facilitating new direct flights between Kaohsiung and Thailand.

Kaohsiung currently offers direct flights to Bangkok, and its Chiang Mai route resumed in January. As of February, 25 one-way flights to Bangkok operate weekly, serviced by China Airlines, Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, and Thai Lion Air. The Chiang Mai route has one weekly flight via Thai Lion Air.

The Tourism Bureau highlighted Thailand’s swift tourism recovery and said it will continue expanding air travel and tourism initiatives to attract more visitors from Thailand and Southeast Asia.