Name: David W.J. Hsieh
Title: Director-General
Company, city: Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Taipei City
Number of employees: 1,626
Recent project: Taiwan’s 2015–2018 Tourism Action Plan, emphasizing diversity and lifestyle
First job: Section chief and senior engineer, Department of Public Housing, Taipei City Government
Little-known fact about you: I graduated from Chinese Culture University and National Cheng Kung University; while getting around campus, I developed a passion for cycling that I continue to enjoy today.
Your Business
Essential business philosophy: Teamwork and a harmonious working environment
Best way to keep a competitive edge: Creativity, innovation and friendly service
Yardstick of success: Since 2008, when Taiwan received 3.84 million tourists, arrivals have grown by roughly one million visitors per year. In 2014 we reached 9.91 million annual visitors, reflecting sustained growth and broader international interest.
David W.J. Hsieh as a Traveler
What is the most important item you take when traveling? My smartphone to stay connected and record memories, plus essentials such as vitamins and energy bars to keep me in good condition.
How do you spend your time on board? I prepare and review material for upcoming meetings, then relax by reading the in-flight magazine or watching a movie.
What is your favorite restaurant in the world? Seafood restaurants in Pingtung, famous for sergestid shrimp, crab and mullet, and seasonal maguro and toro each May.
What is your favorite destination in the world? Taiwan—my beloved hometown.
About Taiwan Tourism Bureau
What events are planned in Taiwan for 2015 and 2016?
The Taiwan Tourism Bureau highlights 34 annual events that invite international visitors to experience Taiwanese culture, cuisine and celebrations under the theme “Time for Celebration – Taiwan Tourism Events.” The Taichung City Mazu International Festival is one of the world’s largest religious pilgrimages, where hundreds of thousands accompany Mazu, the sea goddess, to temples across the central plains. The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival fills night skies with thousands of glowing lanterns carrying well-wishes. The Miaoli Hakka Food Festival showcases the Hakka people’s distinctive cuisine. A perennial highlight is the New Year’s Eve celebration with its spectacular Taipei 101 fireworks display.
What can business travelers expect from a visit to Taiwan?
Business travelers find a compact island rich in variety: nostalgic historical sites, charming old streets, distinctive lifestyle aesthetics and preserved village cultures that create memorable experiences. Taiwan is renowned as a culinary capital, offering everything from fine dining to bustling night markets and themed restaurants—ideal for entertaining guests and hosting meetings. Visitors frequently cite Taiwan’s safety and convenience, with many services operating 24 hours. By the end of 2015 the MRT will link Taoyuan Airport to central Taipei in about 20 minutes, and new four- and five-star hotels are expanding accommodation options.
What are your favorite sights and activities in Taiwan?
One favorite is Dapeng Bay, the largest lagoon on Taiwan’s southwest coast, roughly 2.2 miles long and 1.1 miles wide, offering canoeing and windsurfing. Having led the Dapeng Bay Scenic Area Administration for a decade, I was involved in its planning and development. Another highlight is the Taiwan Lantern Festival, first held in 1990; its main theme lantern draws on the Chinese zodiac, blending traditional lantern culture with modern technology and earning a place among the world’s most remarkable festivals.
In Taiwan, walking can feel slow and driving too fast—cycling provides the perfect pace. Bicycles are widely available for rent in cities and national scenic areas. We also promote Taiwan’s KOM (King of the Mountain) Challenge, recognized as one of the world’s toughest races. Watching lantern festivals and cycling are activities I enjoy personally and recommend to visitors seeking unforgettable experiences in Taiwan.