Brad Shih (left)/Photo courtesy of the Tourism Bureau
Los Angeles, May 16 (CNA) Taipei has won the Leisure Lifestyle Award hosted by U.S. Global Traveler magazine as the "best leisure destination in Asia" in 2019, according to a Tourism Bureau official stationed in Los Angeles.
This is the second consecutive year Taipei has topped the annual survey in the magazine -- the only monthly publication for business and leisure luxury travelers, said Brad Shih, director of the Los Angeles office of Taiwan's Tourism Bureau, at a reception held at Sofitel Los Angeles in Beverly Hills, Thursday.
Taipei finished first in the "Best Leisure Destination in Asia" category, edging out Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo, the Thai island of Phuket, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Osaka and Bali in descending order.
"Taipei won the honor for the second time this year, an indication that the city has captured the heart of mainstream travelers. Taipei welcomes more people to visit and get to know Taiwan better," Shih said.
Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is usually the first place visited by foreign visitors who come to the country.
Global Traveler readers, board members and experienced staff made nominations in each category. From these, Global Traveler's Advisory Board selected the winners. The Advisory Board is made up of well-traveled executives from a broad range of industries.
Taiwan has also been nominated to compete in the "Destination with the Highest Client Satisfaction, Asia/South Pacific" Wave Awards sponsored by Los Angeles-based TravelAge West magazine, the Tourism Bureau said.
The winner of the prize will be announced on June 13.
