Since 2011, we have been running the “International Spotlight Central Region Program” with the Tourism Bureau, MOTC, which has proved to be successful. The program kicked off in Taichung, with Chiayi hosting in the following year. We gathered together the regions to showcase their best assets, including regional resources and cultural highlights to attract potential visitors and thus putting the country on the world map. 

Taichung and Chiayi were the core cities to pioneer the “International Spotlight Central Region Program”( www.lohaspot.com), each in consecutive years. The result of the program and events were very satisfactory, thus laying a strong foundation in preparation for the program’s third year. Our achievements so far are as follows:

1. While running the program, we received lots of positive comments and feedback from our partners, participants, global visitors, and fans on our Facebook page and official website. Numerous shops also showed interest in participating in the program, and the number of establishments had reached 115 by the end of 2013.    

2. In the second year of the program in Chiayi, we gained full support from government bodies including the Chiayi City Government and Chiayi Forest District Office. A special Spotlight Committee was also set up by several government departments, as a recognition of the work done by the Foundation. 

3. We endeavored to identify local resources, and design interesting tour itineraries to showcase the best of Taiwan for visitors. We also played an active role bridging among participating outlets, in order to deliver an interactive platform for all. 

4. We encouraged and incentivized the tourism industries in both Taichung and Chiayi, to promote and market their products in a sustainable manner. Also, we teamed them up with some of the participating shops to make a bigger impact on their output and services.   

5. We established a leading role for some of the partner shops. Pao Chuan Food Company, Lin Chin-Sheng Hsiang Pastry Shop etc. were among the fourteen brands that we helped to inject a global appeal. This helped bring them more business opportunities and a more focused approach to their services, while in Chiayi, we carried on promoting the historical Hinoki Village. With our support, the complex was then able to run itself using an Operation Transfer system.      

6.The event of “Piloting Taiwan’s Quality Tourism with a Spotlight”, organized by the Tourism Bureau, MOTC where we took part of received very good feedback. The exhibition themed “Live it. Taste it. Central Taiwan” was artfully designed as a souvenir box to accentuate the central region’s specialties. Tourists enjoyed numerous interactive activities and regular tours, delivered by experts from the region’s LOHAS Workshops.  

After a successful couple of years, the “International Spotlight Central Region Program” is entering its third year with an even more sophisticated approach. With the theme of “Awaken Your Six Senses”, we will continue to promote our concept of “Live it. Taste it. Central Taiwan” to attract more international visitors and bring the world to Taiwan!