The Taiwan Tourism Bureau (TTB) will again be present at London's World Travel Market from November 3-6 in order to promote Taiwan's rich culture and heritage. This year, the TTB will also be taking part in a consumer event at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent on November 1.

2014 has been a spectacular year for Taiwan Tourism Bureau in the UK market with the number of British people visiting Taiwan exceeding last year's figures. Between January and August 2014 there has been a staggering increase of 39 per cent of British arrivals in Taiwan compared to the same period last year – making the UK Taiwan's largest outbound market in Europe.

Coupled with this, the past year has seen nine new tour operators selling Taiwan products, with a further 18 new tours added by existing operators.

This year has also seen the launch of many new campaigns. This includes the YouTube campaign in co-operation with Google which invites visitors to Taiwan to film their trip, post their video online and win a round-the-world flight ticket. Similarly, hosted by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau and National Geographic Channel is 'The Taiwan on Two Wheels' competition which gives entrants a chance to win a cycling trip for two including flight tickets to Taipei with a four night stay in the capital.

World Travel Market 2014 – November 3 - 6

Taiwan Tourism Bureau will be exhibiting at World Travel Market at stand number AS550. This year for the first time visitors to the stand throughout WTM will be introduced to 'Oh! Bear' – Taiwan's newest tourism ambassador. Based on the Formosan black bear, the life-sized mascot and his dance troupe will be on stand to distribute information on the island and to promote Taiwan as a tourism hotspot. Visitors to the stand will also be able to sip on traditional oolong tea and sample quintessential Taiwanese snacks. Agents and media partners will also be able to try their hand at calligraphy – with a booth installed on stand for those wishing to try out the visual art.

Along with the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, trade delegates including incoming agencies, airlines and hotel partners will also be present at the stand to distribute information on the island and to promote Taiwan's culture.

The popular 'Taiwan Happy Hour' will be inaugurated with an illustrated talk by birding enthusiast, David Lindo also known as 'The Urban Birder', which will be  taking place on the stand between 4pm to 5pm on Monday November 3. There will also be a chance for visitors to enter into a prize draw to win a holiday to Taiwan. This includes airline tickets and accommodation at some of Taiwan's most prestigious hotels.

Taiwan will also be taking part in the 'WTM Regional Festival' on Wednesday 5 November, in honour of the exhibition's 35th birthday. Join Taiwan on the stand from 6pm to 8pm for the celebrations.

Bluewater Shopping Center event – November 1

To coincide with World Travel Market, Taiwan will also be bringing Oh!Bear and his dance troupe to Bluewater Shopping Centre, Kent on November 1 between 9am and 9pm, to share destination information and brochures. Shoppers will also be given the opportunity to win two tickets to Taipei and a private nine day tour around the island.

Ends

For further information on Taiwan please visit http://eng.taiwan.net.tw

Email taiwan@brightergroup.com or telephone 020 7326 9880.

Notes to editors

For media enquiries, please contact Jenny Groutage or Asha Sudha at the Brighter Group on jenny.groutage@brightergroup.com / asha.sudha@brightergroup.com or telephone 020 7326 9880.