Taiwan, one of the countries that proved its friendship to Israel since October 7, will open a pavilion at Tel Aviv’s IMTM tourism fair (May 7-8, 2025), aiming to attract Israeli tourists to the surprising island nation from the East.
“A True Friend in Good Times and Bad”#
“Taiwan and Israel may be geographically distant, but they are close in their values,” says Ya-Ping (Abby) Lee, Taiwan’s representative in Israel, in an interview with Mako. “In 2024, Taiwan was one of only six foreign countries that participated in the IMTM exhibition and set up the largest and most impressive pavilion, not only to support the exhibition but also to send a clear message that Taiwan remains a true friend in good times and challenging periods.”
The Taiwanese pavilion will showcase the country’s traditional and modern faces, with emphasis on cultural festivals and an LGBTQ-friendly environment.
Safe Destination for Israelis#
“Taiwan is one of the countries with the least antisemitism in the world,” Lee emphasizes. “It remains a safe place for Jews from all over the world. According to the Israeli government’s travel alert map, Taiwan is always considered a safe country to visit.”
The Jeffrey D. Schwartz Jewish Community and Cultural Center in Taipei deepens understanding of Jewish heritage through exhibitions, guided tours, and a museum displaying antique Torah scrolls and biblical art. The center also provides a synagogue, mikveh, and kosher facilities, serving as a hub for cultural events and prayers.
Diverse Attractions#
Taiwan offers varied experiences for all types of tourists:
Stunning Landscapes: Taroko Gorge, Alishan, and Sun Moon Lake offer breathtaking scenery suitable for hiking, cycling, and nature exploration.
Hot Springs: Areas like Beitou and Jiaoxi offer relaxing hot spring experiences in natural settings.
Street Food and Night Markets: While Taiwan has Michelin-starred luxury restaurants, it’s especially famous for its street food culture. Popular dishes like beef noodle soup and bubble tea are available at vibrant markets like Shilin and Raohe.
Vibrant Nightlife: Taipei offers a lively and inclusive nightlife scene suitable for all types of tourists.
Direct Flights on the Horizon#
The governments of Taiwan and Israel signed an air services agreement laying the legal groundwork for direct flights. “We hope to operate direct flights soon,” Lee says, although currently there are no direct flights between Tel Aviv and Taipei.
Deep Support for Israel#
Taiwan has stood out as one of Israel’s strongest supporters since October 7. The country sharply condemned Hamas attacks, unlike China which refrained from responding. Lee herself volunteered in Israeli agricultural fields and met with hostage families, demonstrating the depth of connection between the two countries.
Taiwan is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with developed public transportation and a wide range of accommodation options for every budget. As a country sharing democratic values and similar security challenges with Israel, Taiwan offers Israelis not just an exotic vacation, but also a connection to a friendly allied nation.
Source: Mako
