Taichung: Taiwan is set to host the "1st World Bird Fair" in Taichung in September to advance bird conservation and birdwatching ecotourism globally, as announced by the Tourism Administration on Monday. The event is organized by the World Birdfairs Council (WBC), a global entity representing birding events worldwide.
According to Focus Taiwan, the WBC has previously organized regional bird fairs, including those in South America and Asia in 2024, and an international bird tourism fair in 2025. However, the Taichung event, slated for September 19-23, marks its inaugural global showcase. The event receives backing from the Tourism Administration and is co-organized with the Taiwan Wild Bird Society and the Taiwan Ecotourism Promotion Association.
The administration's press release on Monday stated that the fair would attract environmental groups, bird conservation organizations, and ecotourism operators from 25 countries. A symposium on birdwatching ecotourism will cover topics such as birdwatching, conservation, and the future of bird-related exhibitions and tourism.
From September 22 to 23, foreign attendees will be invited to explore Taiwan's Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area, a prominent birdwatching site. While the main event requires a participation fee, the WBC announced a free exhibition weekend open to the public at Taichung's Civic Plaza on September 20 and 21.
Tourism Administration Director-General Chou Yung-hui highlighted that ecotourism has rebounded more swiftly than other tourism sectors post-COVID-19. Hosting the first World Bird Fair presents an opportunity for Taiwan's tourism industry to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness to international travelers.
