Taiwan gives tourists chance to win overnight stay at presidential office in Taipei

Visitors to Taiwan have been offered the chance to win a night at the president office in Taipei with a 5.30am flag-raising ceremony optional after the island’s tourism industry was hit by Beijing’s ban on solo travellers from the mainland.

“I invite you to visit Taiwan and experience the warmth and hospitality of the people here,” President Tsai Ing-wen said in an English video. “And while you are here, why not be my guest and spend the night at the Presidential Office Building?”

Up to 20 international tourists will be chosen to spend a night in the 100-year-old Taipei landmark – free of charge.

The competition was launched after Beijing suspended individual travel permits from the mainland to the self-governing island in a move that would hurt its economy.

Applicants need to be 20 or older, a non-Taiwan citizen and must submit their travel plans and a video about their trip to judges before the end of August.

Accommodation in the 300-room building, which is also one of Taipei’s biggest tourist attractions, was expected to be available from October.

“This programme is the first of its kind in the world, and our goal is to show Taiwan’s freedom, democracy and openness,” presidential spokesman Xavier Chang said.

Beijing’s ban on individual Taiwan visits ‘a big mistake’, says President Tsai Ing-wen

Taiwan has experienced a sharp drop in mainland tourist numbers since Tsai took office three years ago, and her Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has accused Beijing of using tourism “as a weapon” against her government.

Beijing insists the self-ruling, democratic island is part of its territory awaiting reunification by force if necessary.

The DPP refuses to recognise the idea that Taiwan is part of “one China”.