Taiwan welcomes 7 millionth tourist

Taiwan on Tuesday welcomed its 7 millionth foreign visitor of the year, with

authorities hoping to take advantage of the tourism industry to ease economic

strains.

The 7 millionth tourist traveled from Malaysia with her children. The

woman, surnamed Lin, will receive a package of tourism services worth 300,000

New Taiwan dollars (10,309 U.S. dollars), including accommodation, railway

tickets and appliances made in Taiwan.

Taiwanese authorities' legislative chief will also hold a welcome

ceremony for Lin on Wednesday to further promote and publicize tourism on the

island.

Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou said earlier this month that tourists from

outside of Taiwan would reach 7 million this year and top 10 million in 2016.

The number of tourists visiting Taiwan has witnessed rapid growth in

recent years, and the island's tourism industry has received a notable boost

from visitors from the mainland.

The island's officials have reiterated that Taiwan needs to further

develop its tourism industry to achieve economic diversification, as its

export-oriented economy is vulnerable to global economic turbulence.