The Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau led a "Kaohsiung International Tourism Delegation" comprising representatives from more than 30 tourism-related organizations and over 60 delegates to Kuala Lumpur and Penang, where they hosted tourism promotion events introducing Kaohsiung's latest attractions, themed travel itineraries, tour packages, and diverse tourism offerings to local travel professionals and media. The initiative aims to further expand Kaohsiung's presence in the Malaysian tourism market.
During the B2B tourism promotion event, Kao Min-lin, Director of the Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau, noted that Malaysia is one of Kaohsiung's key tourism markets in Southeast Asia. The two destinations share similar Chinese cultural traditions and culinary preferences. Coupled with Malaysia's projected economic growth of 5.2% in 2025, outbound travel demand continues to rise. Malaysians take an average of two to three overseas trips annually and show a strong preference for family vacations, independent travel, and themed experiences, making them a highly promising market for Kaohsiung's tourism development.
Deputy Representative, Mr. James Buu also remarked that Malaysians have long been fond of traveling to Taiwan, with the close relationship between the two sides built upon more than 70 years of educational and cultural ties through Malaysian students studying in Taiwan. In 2025, approximately 420,000 Malaysians visited Taiwan, while nearly 400,000 Taiwanese traveled to Malaysia, reflecting vibrant two-way tourism exchanges. He encouraged Malaysian travel agencies to develop more in-depth Kaohsiung itineraries, allowing visitors to discover the diverse attractions and tourism potential of southern Taiwan's vibrant port city.
The B2B promotion attracted more than 100 distinguished guests, travel industry professionals, and media representatives, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere and delivering highly encouraging results.
In addition, Kaohsiung held its first-ever "Kaohsiung Syok!" B2C promotion at Gurney Plaza, Penang, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, cultural representatives, and influencers to strengthen tourism ties between Kaohsiung and Penang.
The event featured five themed experiences highlighting Kaohsiung's cuisine, culture, attractions, and travel experiences. Through interactive activities and food tastings, Malaysian visitors enjoyed a lively introduction to the city's diverse tourism offerings, with every booth drawing enthusiastic crowds.
