Captivating visitors from across Taiwan and drawing the attention of travelers from around the world, the "2026 Taiwan Indigenous Tourism Festival" took place in grand style in the first-floor main hall of Taipei Main Station from Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28. This annual cultural celebration, organized by the Tourism Administration, MOTC together with its seven National Scenic Areas and in partnership with five central government ministries — the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of the Interior, Council of Indigenous Peoples, Ministry of Labor, and Ministry of Agriculture — marked its 13th consecutive year. With "Original Flavors, Leisurely Travel" as this year's theme, the event brought an indigenous table directly onto the performance stage at Taipei Main Station, offering a fully immersive experience of the joy and beauty of an indigenous journey through signature cuisine, craft aesthetics, and music-and-dance festivities, while showcasing Taiwan's one-of-a-kind indigenous culture to the world.

The "2026 Taiwan Indigenous Tourism Festival" kicked off with an opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on June 26, led by the Lanyu Yami Little Flying Fish Cultural Dance Team's "Children of the Ocean" music-and-dance performance. The children's innocent yet captivating performance instantly energized the crowd. The event welcomed a distinguished lineup of international guests, including Ruth Evelin Pasaribu, Director of Tourism and Transportation at the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei; Deputy Director Karin M. Lang of the American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office; Vice Chairman Vinayak Chavan of the India Taipei Association; Irene Joan L. Tan, Head of Development Cooperation Services at the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO); the Third Secretary of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Eswatini; and Senior Policy Researcher Chen Yi-an of the Australian Office. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and Administrative Deputy Minister Lin Kuo-hsien of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications delivered opening remarks that heightened the enthusiasm of the entire audience.

Vice President Hsiao stated that indigenous tourism can serve as a starting point for the international community to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan. Through tangible spending by the people of Taiwan, indigenous industries can grow stronger — not only giving indigenous youth opportunities to remain in their home areas for development and contribute to the economy, but also carrying the multi-layered significance of sustaining cultural heritage. She sincerely invited everyone who loves indigenous culture to first visit Taipei Main Station during the event to join this year's "Taiwan Indigenous Tourism Festival," and then plan a separate trip to visit indigenous destinations of interest in person to experience traditional culture and cuisine firsthand.

Deputy Minister Lin also noted that tourism is a vehicle for culture, and culture is the foundation of tourism. To that end, the Tourism Administration, MOTC has partnered with the Ministry of Labor to guide and support indigenous youth, integrating AI and digital networks to strengthen their tour-guiding capabilities, with the hope that both domestic and international visitors can gain a clear understanding of the distinctive indigenous cultural characteristics of different regions. Now in its 13th year, the "Taiwan Indigenous Tourism Festival" has worked across ministries with the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of the Interior, Council of Indigenous Peoples, Ministry of Labor, and Ministry of Agriculture, using "food" as its theme to present the distinctive features of indigenous sites across Taiwan, jointly promoting the unique appeal of Taiwan's indigenous culture, and looking forward to drawing even more visitors to travel to indigenous destinations around the island.

Welcoming Summer Vacation with the First Event: Taiwan Indigenous Tourism Festival Brings a Joyful

OverWeekendOver three consecutive days from June 26 to June 28, the festival featured 30 action-packed sessions offering something for everyone: music and dance performances by diverse Indigenous peoples, a marketplace, and fun games. With great food, engaging activities, and exclusive limited-edition goods available only in indigenous areas, the event left guests amazed and moved. A highlight was the specially curated experience zone showcasing seven national scenic areas, which helped visitors learn more about different tour itineraries and activity details so they could plan their own personalized indigenous adventure. Guests could also take on the "indigenous challenge" quest; after completing it, they could enter a scratch-card lucky draw, and by filling out a survey, receive 10 LINE POINTS and many other surprise perks.

This year's five thematic pillars were designed to bring indigenous experiences straight to every visitor's heart. "Rhythm & Dance" invited visitors to appreciate the joy and vitality of indigenous culture through song, music, and dance. "DIY Experience" let everyone take part in hands-on activities and bring the indigenous table experience home. "Food Hunters" was a playful guessing game that helped visitors learn about indigenous tour itineraries and enjoy rare flash-sale deals on exclusive goods. "Indigenous Dining Moments" presented an indigenous table experience, with renowned chefs from the seven national scenic areas jointly preparing carefully crafted dishes and personally introducing each one, making guests feel as if they were in an indigenous area and experiencing the passing down of culinary culture. Finally, "Foraging Fun" offered parent-child games and other activities, allowing every participating visitor to share a bountiful harvest of joy with the indigenous community!

Warm Hospitality from Indigenous Peoples — Use E-Payment to Buy the "Yuan-You Voucher"; Spend NT$ 500, Get NT$ 100 Free!

The indigenous marketplace was the event highlight visitors loved most. The 2026 Taiwan Indigenous Tourism Festival brought together carefully selected representative vendors from various regions, showcasing indigenous specialty beverages, selected local delicacies, handcrafted products, wood carvings distinctive to Indigenous peoples, ceramic vessels, original fragrances, and a variety of natural agricultural products. Each item was a creation carrying culture and the wisdom of everyday life. To help visitors experience the diverse charm of indigenous culture at even greater value, a limited "Yuan-You Voucher" promotion was offered on-site: visitors who purchased NT$ 500 using e-payment received an additional NT$ 100 and could also enter a surprise lucky draw. The event invited everyone to bring family and friends and take home the beauty and heartfelt spirit of indigenous cultures.

2026 Taiwan Indigenous Tourism Festival — Event Information
Dates｜June 26 (Fri) – June 28 (Sun), 2026
Venue｜Main Hall, 1F, Taipei Main Station
More Information｜Please continue to follow the official Facebook fan page of the 2026 Taiwan Indigenous Tourism Festival