Page 118 - 2018 Annual Report Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan

Collective Singing The Harvest Song Unit 4: Marketing Agricultural Products and Communicating Rural Policies C. Forest eco-tourism In 2018 the COA strengthened management of the maintenance of equipment at recreational venues, and also upgraded the quality of visits to the nation’s 18 National Forest Recreation Areas and three Forest Parks. We encouraged citizens to get in contact with nature to improve their health, and there were over 4.53 million visits. The Neidong Forest Recreation Area had to be temporarily closed following severe damage caused by Typhoon Soudelor; it was re-opened in September following repairs. The Bong Bong Train at Taipingshan Forest Recreation Area also resumed operations in September. Moreover, forest recreation sites continued to cooperate with mountain villages and indigenous communities to come up with variously themed eco-tourism itineraries 683 times, creating nearly NT$10 million in direct production value. Ringing the bell for departure of the Bong Bong Train in the Taipingshan Forest Recreation Area, which resumed operations in September. The COA also founded the “Alishan Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Ofce” to take charge of the Alishan Forest Railway and surrounding cultural heritage sites. The Office worked seamlessly with Taiwan Railways Administration, and total passenger volume exceeded 1,106,000 man-times. We also made a short film advertising the multiple values of Alishan, including cherry blossom season in the Alishan National Scenic Area, the Alishan Forest Railway, cultural heritage around the Railway, and experiential tourism, pro- actively working to attract international tourists to Taiwan. At the same time, the COA continued to develop international exchanges, and in December the Alishan Forest Railway signed a Letter of Intent with the ierny Hron Forestry Railway in Slovakia to become sister railways. The Alishan Forest Railway and cherry blossom season in the Alishan National Scenic Area complement each other and create wonderful scenery. (photo by Chen Kunzhi) 116