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Visa-free and direct from Australia: Taiwan courts Aussie travellers with new experiences

Taiwan Tourism Administration launched its annual Australia and New Zealand roadshow in Brisbane, backed by seven Taiwanese travel partners, including China Airlines and EVA Air.

Taiwan Tourism Administration launched its annual Australia and New Zealand roadshow in Brisbane, backed by seven Taiwanese travel partners, including China Airlines and EVA Air.

Taiwan is pitching itself to Australian travel advisors as a visa-free, direct-flight destination with a broader spread of experiences aimed at first-timers and repeat visitors alike as the 2026 roadshow kicked off at Brisbane Marriott on 16 June.

The exhibition-style event drew seven of Taiwan’s leading travel industry partners, spanning airlines and destination marketing companies (DMCs), giving advisors face time with suppliers across the evening.

Oolong tea hills in Alishan, Taiwan. travel
Oolong tea hills in Alishan, Taiwan.

The roadshow leaned into hands-on culture rather than slide decks. Attendees took part in Taiwan Tung flower 3D handicrafts, made mini sky lanterns using Hakka fabrics and sampled Taiwan-inspired cuisine.

Suppliers also moved table to table through the evening to walk advisors through their individual products, the kind of detail that translates directly into client conversations back in the office.

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What’s new for selling Taiwan in 2026

China Airlines prize winner at the Taiwan Tourism Administration 2026 roadshow in Brisbane.
China Airlines prize winner Jane Wu from Enjoy Travel & Tours at the Taiwan Tourism Administration 2026 roadshow in Brisbane.

Taiwan Tourism Administration Director Australia & New Zealand Paul Shih said the destination’s focus this year is on widening the appeal beyond the standard first-visit circuit.

“We are pleased to return for our annual engagement with the travel trade across Australia and New Zealand. This year, we are introducing a broader range of experiences designed to appeal to a wider variety of travellers, including repeat visitors,” he said.

Traveller with suitcase in the shadow of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei City, Taiwan
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei City, Taiwan.

For advisors, the selling points are straightforward: visa-free entry for Australians, direct flight connectivity and a mix of nature, culture, cuisine and adventure across a compact island.

Taiwan Tourism Representative for Australia & New Zealand Ganessan Suppiah highlighted the destination as a must-visit for Australian travellers, pointing to the combination of access and diversity of experiences.

Philippine Travel & Trade's Amy Paatan was the EVA Air winner at the Brisbane roadshow for Taiwan Tourism Administration.
Philippine Travel & Trade’s Amy Paatan was the EVA Air winner at the Taiwan Tourism Brisbane roadshow.

Air access is central to the proposition and Australians are gaining fresh options to Asia, with Starlux Airlines set to fly to Australia for the first time.

China Airlines and EVA Air both sponsored grand lucky draw prizes of return air tickets, signalling the carriers’ continued interest in the Australian outbound market.

Land tour packages were sponsored by Edison Tours, Lion Travel and Golden Foundation Tours, giving advisors a clearer picture of the ground operators they can package with airfares.

My Taiwan Escape and China Airlines will also be in attendance at the 2026 Niche is Nice boutique travel roadshows for advisors, visiting Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland.