Inside Travel expands long-haul range with Taiwan launch

Inside Travel has introduced Taiwan as a new destination within its InsideAsia collection.

The InsideAsia brand is offering seven itineraries to the island in response to increasing demand for cultural adventure travel across Asia.

The operator said the move also reflected growing consumer interest in travel beyond Asia’s more established destinations such as Japan, which its brand InsideJapan has offered for more than 25 years.

Taiwan is credited by the operator as being a “compact and accessible country” and a “compelling option” for its culture, food and landscapes.

The launch features both standalone Taiwan journeys and multi-country itineraries, including two stopover options featuring Japan and South Korea.

Itineraries cover a range of family, adventure, luxury and culinary-themed trips.

Inside Travel Taiwan development manager Grant Ekelund said Taiwan offered “remarkable diversity” despite its small size, catering for a wide mix of interests and tastes.

“Travellers can explore centuries-old temples, experience traditional tea culture, discover Indigenous heritage, hike national parks with a backdrop of huge mountains and enjoy arguably one of Asia’s best food scenes – all within a single journey,” he said.

He added: “It is welcoming, easy to navigate, and ideal for both first-time and returning Asia travellers.”

Inside Travel co-founder Alastair Donnelly said Taiwan remained less well-known as a tourist destination.

“Taiwan has it all – yet hasn’t caught the attention of many travellers in Western markets,” Donnelly said. “It’s a destination under-served by travel companies and we’re here to change that.”

He noted its rich history, its “innovative political culture of citizen assemblies and digital democracy”, unbelievable cuisine, and a tea culture to rival Japan, describing it as a “must-visit” destination for lovers of bubble tea.

He added that the destination particularly suits clients who like hiking due to its “rugged coastlines and steep mountain peaks that offer incredible views”.

“From night markets to bullet trains and incredibly welcoming people... it’s everything you could want from a destination,” Donnelly said.