TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan welcomed 2.1 million overseas visitors during the first quarter of the, with an increase of 3% projected for the next three months, Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) said Wednesday.

The country received 7.85 million foreign tourists in 2024, less than initial expectations ranging from 10 million to 12 million. In contrast, 16.84 million residents traveled overseas last year, per CNA.

The arrival figures for last year suffered from the impact of the April 3 earthquake in Hualien. Chen added that Taiwan had not been a first-choice destination for travelers from Southeast Asia. 

The minister said that young people in the region did not have a clear impression of Taiwan. There were also doubts about the willingness of travelers to pay a repeat visit.

The aim for 2025 is 10 million visitors, though the minister acknowledged that unpredictable issues including tariffs imposed by the Trump administration might affect the result. As to further into the future, a target for 2030 is still under discussion.

To improve training and raise the quality of the travel experience, a Tourism Research and Training Institute will open by the end of the year, Chen said.