Prevue May/June 2012 - (Page 77)

Taiwan is an island located about 100 miles off mainland China. The capital city, Taipei, is one of Asia’s greenest and most harmonious urban centers, surrounded by lush mountain forests and quaint villages. The popular saying here is: “Everyone knows Taiwan, but no one really knows it.” MEET TAIWAN is trying to change that by luring more North American groups with the country’s modern meeting and incentivespecific attributes. Western visitors will find a destination that’s English-friendly and easy to navigate. It’s incredibly urbane and sophisticated but not too hectic or polluted. Art and culture play an important role in daily life, and health and wellness have always been a societal and business priority. In effect, Taipei was a “city of tomorrow” decades ago. “From Taiwan, meeting attendees can access other parts of Asia very easily too—it’s only 80 minutes to Shanghai or Hong Kong,” says Shih-Chao Cho, director general of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, which oversees Meet Taiwan. “We also emphasize sustainable practices that make our meetings and conventions more green and energy efficient.” HISTORY + CULTURE The signature attraction in Taipei is the National Palace Museum. It is the foremost Asian art museum in the world with more than 670,000 pieces of ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks spanning over 8,000 years. It takes days to view the entire display. Like others, our group focused on just a few collections for a greatest hits guided tour. Though I could’ve easily spent hours admiring even a small selection of artworks, such as a series of carved ivory pieces and nested puzzle balls so stunningly intricate that they took generations to complete. For groups staying at the downtown properties, many nearby venues not only provide a uniquely Taiwanese experience but they also double as event space. Two prime examples are the 1,522-seat National Theater and 2,074-seat National Concert Hall. Both are similar in design—grand, traditional Chinese palaces—sitting across from each other on the city’s famed Liberty Square adjacent to the popular Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The performance halls at both venues can be rented for private events with additional meeting rooms and lounges available for smaller breakouts. A guaranteed opportunity for wowing a group is an event at the top of Taipei 101, which until 2010 was the tallest building in the world. With the recent LEED Platinum certification, it is now the tallest and largest green building in the world. Step into restaurant Shin Yeh 101 on the 85th floor, and watch clouds pass below while enjoying stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. Shin Yeh 101 offers several private rooms for groups and a set menu of traditional Taiwanese fare as memorable as the view. Sample dishes include tender braised abalone, steamed scallop dumplings and soft, sweet taro cake. As with many large Asian cities, shopping is a popular activity in Taipei. Options abound, ranging prevueonline.net | 69 http://www.prevueonline.net

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue May/June 2012

Sheraton China + Macau
The Peppermill, Reno
Charleston + Denver
CSR with Caesars
Hong Kong's Kai Tak Terminal
Special Section: Europe
Hyatt Fisherman's Wharf
Affordable Luxury
Frenchman's Reef, USVI
Australia
Toronto
Taiwan
U.S. Gaming Hotels
Caesars/Paris Las Vegas
Grand Lucayan, Bahamas
Iberostar Cancun

Prevue May/June 2012