International Educational Tourism and Regional Development in Taiwan: A Discussion Paper

The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) identifies tourism and education as key industries in regional development, but it treats them as separate policy areas. Drawing on published overseas data, we argue the economic benefits of an integrated international higher education tourism policy at address the problem of declining student numbers facing Taiwanese universities. We recommend that universities work collaboratively with Taiwanese and overseas stakeholders to attract more international students to Taiwanese universities. The equation is simple: More international higher education students = more income for educational systems = more highly skilled workers = more prosperity for Taiwan.