Hualien Ranks First in Taiwan for GSTC Certifications, Exceeding Japan

(中央社訊息服務20260327 15:23:59)To showcase its definitive progress in promoting eco-friendly and low-carbon travel, the Hualien County Government hosted the “Hualien Sustainable Accommodation City Upgrade” press conference at 10 a.m. today (March 26) at the Parkview Hotel Hualien. The event officially unveiled the results of the 2025 Hualien Green Destination Tourism and Muslim-Friendly Facilities Certification Program. In a historic achievement, nine additional hospitality leaders successfully obtained the CU-GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) international sustainability certification. The newly certified properties include: Jinguan B&B, Forest 3030 Hostel, Azure Hotel, Kadda Hotel, Silks Place Taroko, Antong Hot Spring Hotel, Promisedland Resort & Lagoon, Grand Cosmos Resort Ruisui Hualien, and Lishiuan International Hotel. Joined by Gaeavilla Resort and Les Champs Hualien, which earned their credentials previously, Hualien now boasts 11 GSTC-certified properties. This figure accounts for the vast majority of Taiwan’s 16 total certifications and notably eclipses Japan’s national count of eight. This milestone signals a major leap in Hualien’s internationalization. Certified businesses will now gain premium visibility through “Sustainability Badges” on major global booking platforms such as Agoda and Booking.com, significantly catalyzing the Hualien tourism brand’s competitive edge on the world stage.

The Hualien County Government stated that Hualien is blessed with extraordinary natural beauty. These precious landscapes stretching from the Pacific Ocean to Taroko Gorge are among the county’s most valued assets. In addition to upgrading sustainable lodging services, Hualien is committed to creating a more welcoming international tourism environment. As part of this certification program, the county focused specifically on the needs of Muslim travelers. This included completing Muslim-friendly certifications for the Qixingtan Tourist Center and the iconic Qixingtan ship-shaped restroom within the scenic area. Furthermore, three businesses received Muslim-Friendly Hotel or Restaurant certifications, including Les Champs Hualien, Wountain Hotel, and Starry Inn. These newly certified operators will provide Muslim travelers from around the world with a more reassuring and convenient travel experience in Hualien. Ultimately, these businesses will gain premium exposure in the sustainability badge sections of major global online booking platforms such as Agoda and Booking.com to strengthen the international competitiveness of the Hualien tourism brand.

With these achievements, Hualien aims to welcome the global Muslim travel market of more than 2 billion people and attract both domestic and international travelers who prioritize sustainable tourism. The county’s goal is for visitors from around the world to experience the warmth of Hualien hospitality as if they were being greeted by family. This initiative allows international guests to discover the unique charm of Hualien while experiencing its spirit of genuine inclusiveness.

Event Information: https://www.guoguohtour.com/ft.php

Hualien Tourism AI Assistant: https://hualien.travel/ai-service/

Hualien Tourism Facebook Page: https://reurl.cc/dqv7E6