Kaohsiung’s International Tourism Push Continues! Capitalizing on the rapid recovery and growth of the Malaysian Chinese and Muslim travel markets, the Kaohsiung City Government, after a three-year hiatus, has once again joined forces with industry partners to organize the "2026 Kaohsiung Malaysia International Tourism Promotion" in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Led by Tourism Bureau Director-General Kaohsiung Min-lin (Min-lin Kao), the delegation includes Director-General Hsiang Pin-ho of the Information Bureau, representatives from the Agriculture Bureau, and delegates from the Kaohsiung Association of Travel Agents, the Hotel Association, the Tourism Association, the East Kaohsiung Tourism Industry Alliance, the Kaohsiung Homestay Association, the Kaohsiung Influencers and Bloggers Association, and the Wumiao Tourism Commercial District Development Association. Together with Michelin-starred chefs, international hotels, food writers, and representatives from souvenir, catering, and entertainment sectors, this formidable "Kaohsiung International Tourism Delegation"—comprising over 30 organizations and more than 60 members—is showcasing innovative, diverse, and meticulously crafted tourism products.
The team has been visiting the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Malaysia, the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Federation of Taiwan Business Associations in Malaysia), local tourism associations, airlines, and travel agencies to actively capture tourism business opportunities. This campaign, themed "Kaohsiung Syok!," emphasizes the comfort, pleasure, and exhilarating experiences of traveling in Kaohsiung. A large-scale B2B tourism presentation was held in Kuala Lumpur, sharing the latest updates with Chinese, Muslim, and Indian communities. This was followed by a B2C "Food and Friendship" exchange event at Gurney Plaza in Penang. This two-city relay effectively showcases Kaohsiung's complete tourism industry supply chain, deepening the city's international brand appeal and visibility with the goal of attracting a significant number of Malaysian visitors to Kaohsiung.
Tourism Bureau Director-General Kao stated that in recent years, Kaohsiung has frequently been rated as one of the most charming, high-value destinations in Asia by internationally renowned travel platforms such as Agoda, Klook, and Expedia, with its tourism volume and satisfaction ratings consistently ranking first in Taiwan.
Malaysia is a key target of Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy and a vital source market for Kaohsiung. In April this year, the Tourism Bureau aired new Kaohsiung tourism brand advertisements in popular shopping malls and on large highway billboards in Kuala Lumpur, receiving an overwhelming response. This delegation, gathering city government departments, tourism associations, and industry operators, returns to Malaysia to compete for travelers. Beyond deepening ties with the Chinese-Malaysian community and actively expanding into the Muslim market, this year's campaign also highlights Kaohsiung as a gender-inclusive and family-friendly city, aiming to tap into the Malaysian female and family travel sectors. Furthermore, tourism operators representing the Indian community—which makes up 8% of Malaysia's total population—were invited to the briefing, echoing the central government’s "Dual-India" (India and Indonesia) policy and demonstrating Kaohsiung’s unwavering determination to cultivate the Malaysian market.
To address the high level of interest in "Kaohsiung Cuisine" among the Malaysian public, the Tourism Bureau has specifically assembled a "Kaohsiung International Tourism Delegation," comprising representatives from the culinary, commercial district, and tourism sectors, for this overseas initiative.
The delegation features Chef Kang Ren-wei of HAILI, a Kaohsiung restaurant that has earned a Michelin one-star rating for three consecutive years, who will showcase his exquisite culinary skills in Kuala Lumpur. Joining him is Guo Ming-zhe, a renowned Kaohsiung food writer with a vast readership in Malaysia, who will share his insights and the fascinating stories behind Kaohsiung’s food culture in both Kuala Lumpur and Penang from the perspective of an industry expert.
The delegation also includes a wide array of prestigious brands and artisans, showcasing the full spectrum of Kaohsiung’s culinary charm, from street snacks to fine dining. Participants include artisan Zhong Jia-qi of the Succulent Plant Research Institute; the presidential-level state banquet team from Jin Ye Mo You Tang, specializing in traditional ban-doh (outdoor banquet) culture; popular pet-friendly restaurant owners Li Mao-mao and Li Mao-mao; as well as iconic brands such as Chih-Bin Doubanjiang, Chun Xin Milk 17 Milk Sticks, the legendary Da Xin Lamb (pioneers of Gangshan mutton), Yancheng Little Bear Milk Tea, Ya Geng Winery, and My Cofi.
