Tainan Boosts International Tourism by Training Drivers in Foreign Languages to Welcome Japanese and Korean Travelers

Tainan is rolling out the red carpet for international visitors, especially those from Japan and South Korea, with a new initiative designed to elevate the city's tourism experience. Recognizing that the first point of contact for many tourists is their driver, the Tainan City Government's Tourism and Travel Bureau has partnered with Kun Shan University's Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management to launch the "2026 Tourism Driver Foreign Language and Tourism Training Program."

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As the direct flights to Japan open, more and more Japanese tourists are visiting. The city government also found that the first person tourists often encounter after getting off the plane is the driver; whether the service is good or not directly affects their impression of Tainan.

This comprehensive program aims to equip frontline drivers with the linguistic and cultural skills necessary to provide exceptional service. The curriculum covers five key languages: English, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Thai. A significant emphasis is placed on Japanese language proficiency and detailed explanations of Tainan's attractions, catering to the growing number of Japanese tourists following the new direct flights from Kumamoto and Okinawa.

Beyond classroom instruction, the program incorporates practical elements, including the use of foreign teaching assistants for role-playing scenarios and multilingual "finger books" to aid communication even when language barriers exist. The goal is to empower drivers to not only navigate but also to engage with tourists, sharing local historical stories and becoming informal "tourism ambassadors" for the city.

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We hope that through this training, drivers will not only be able to drive but also simply introduce attractions and chat, becoming local 'tourism ambassadors.'

The Tourism and Travel Bureau highlighted that this training initiative has consistently received positive feedback from the industry. By enhancing the professional service capabilities of drivers, Tainan aims to leave a lasting positive impression on international visitors, thereby boosting the city's global tourism appeal and fostering a more welcoming environment for all.

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The course content is very practical, such as the Meiling Line, Chenggong Line, Dongshan Coffee Line, Airport Line of Taiwan Tourist Shuttle, and the newly opened Hupilao Street Line, all designed as practical situational teaching.