Why did the Taiwan Tourism Bureau create this contest?
In line with the global trend toward economizing, blogs have become an important information search tool for travel enthusiasts as well as a platform where smart shoppers share their experiences. Small as it may be, Taiwan - also known as Formosa (the beautiful island) - is a treasure trove of stunning natural scenery and exciting local culture that offers immense possibilities for the do-it-yourself traveler.

To make Taiwan’s rich tourism resources and culture known globally, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau has launched a special program as part of its 2008-2009 Tour Taiwan Years campaign. Experienced travelers worldwide are invited to submit money-saving yet creative itineraries for a trip in Taiwan, share their personal stories from the tour in audio/visual blog posts, and let people around the world see this island nation through their eyes.


Has the bureau reached out to bloggers in the past, and if so, how?
Through the social network (e.g. facebook, Tagged, Hi5, friendster, wretch), internet search engine (e.g. Google), online video platform (e.g. YouTube), and news releases.


How important is digital media for the future of Taiwan? Specifically, how does it factor into the Taiwan Tourism Bureau's future plans?
Digital media is popular for backpackers and young travelers. The bureau will continue launching different internet campaigns in the future.


How is this initiative different from traditional methods of advertising at the Taiwan Tourism Bureau?
The internet media is getting more and more important in the worldwide communication. Through this contest, the bureau has realized the powerful effect of internet media. We plan to continue launching more internet campaigns in the future.


Do you expect this blogger outreach to stimulate interest in Taiwan and increase its tourism industry?
Yes, we have already received lots of feedback and encouragement from internet users, interested in learning more about Taiwan.


How many entries were submitted for the contest?
1,123 teams from 43 countries.


What criteria did you use to pick the winning teams?
For the first stage, The Bureau organized a committee to select 50 participating teams of Taiwan Explorers in the 1st stage. The judging criteria will include: popularity of introductory video with blog readers (10%), creativity and inexpensiveness of the trip (55%) and feasibility of itinerary (35%). In the 2nd stage, The Bureau will organize a committee to select the winning team. Judging criteria: creativity and inexpensiveness of the trip (35%), feasibility of itinerary (30%), quality of audio-visual uploads (20%), and frequency of being linked to/quoted by other websites and popularity with blog readers (15%).