New rise in Taiwan holidays

There has been an 11 per cent rise in visitors to Taiwan from the UK, the country's tourism bureau is reporting.

The Taiwan Tourism Bureau also reports the number of holidaymakers visiting the country, as opposed to business travellers, rose by 29.71 per cent October 2007, compared with the same month last year.

"These positive figures suggest Taiwan is set to be a hot destination for 2008," the tourism organisation explained.

"This is further highlighted by the fact that several new tour operators, including Kuoni, Audley Travel, Emerald Travel and CTS Horizons, have also recently added Taiwan to their 2008 brochures and online portfolios.

"The first ever Rough Guide to Taiwan was launched this year and Lonely Planet also released its updated guide to Taiwan in November 2007."

Taipei, the Taiwanese capital, will be welcoming revellers celebrating this New Year's Eve, with a fireworks and lighting displays and live music by the world's tallest building - Tapei 101.