Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Kuo-shian and Tourism Administration Director-General Chen Yu-hsiu attended the awards ceremony for the 2nd Taiwan Tourism Spotlight Awards on November 11, where Penghu’s attractions stood out among the honorees. In addition to Qimei Island, nominated by the Penghu National Scenic Area Headquarters and honored as one of Taiwan’s Top 10 Tourism Spotlights, Daguoye Columnar Basalt and Yuanbei Island, nominated by the Penghu County Government, were both selected for the 2026–2027 “Taiwan 100 Tourism Spotlights.” These achievements highlight Penghu’s strong tourism appeal and showcase the unique charm of the archipelago, where natural landscapes and cultural heritage intertwine. The recognition also brings new momentum and opportunities for advancing sustainable tourism.

This year, 52 central government agencies, local governments, and public-interest organizations submitted a total of 191 nominations. The selection process included an initial round of public online voting, which attracted more than 1,136,579 votes, followed by a documentary review conducted by experts and scholars that narrowed the field to 30 shortlisted spotlights. A panel of 20 experts from industry, government, and academia then carried out on-site inspections across Taiwan during the summer. Based on their evaluations, 32 awards were presented, including Top 10 Tourism Spotlights, Best International Recommendation, Best Domestic Tourism Innovation, and Most Popular Award. The list of the 2026–2027 Taiwan 100 Tourism Spotlights was also announced at the ceremony.

Director-General Kuo Chen-ling of the Penghu National Scenic Area Headquarters noted that Qimei Island, located at the southernmost tip of the Penghu archipelago and historically known as “Daiyu,” is renowned for its spectacular natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Shaped by time and the sea, the island offers a poetic beauty filled with stories and emotion. In recent years, Qimei has become a hidden gem for backpackers and deep-travel enthusiasts seeking romance and spiritual retreat. Visitors can wander through iconic sites such as Waiting Husband Reef, Great Stone Lion, Little Taiwan, and the Twin Hearts Stone Weir, experiencing the whispers of the sea breeze and the legends of the islands. During the day, they can admire striking basalt formations and crystal-blue waters; at night, they can gaze upon a sky illuminated by the Milky Way. Snorkeling at Yueli Bay offers unforgettable encounters with vibrant coral reefs and schools of graceful fish. Travelers often circle the island on electric scooters and savor the fresh flavor of abalone, embracing Qimei’s slow and tranquil pace. The star-filled skies and rhythmic tides together create an unforgettable experience of sustainable island tourism.

Director-General Kuo added that Penghu’s outstanding performance in this year’s Taiwan Tourism Spotlight Awards reflects not only recognition of its natural and cultural treasures but also the longstanding collaboration among the Penghu County Government, the tourism industry, and local residents. He expressed special appreciation to Mayor Lu Chi-chun of Qimei Township, the Qimei Township Office team, and local community members for their enthusiastic participation and dedication to environmental sustainability. He also thanked accommodation providers, tour guides, transportation operators, and food and beverage businesses for their support and assistance. Through these collective efforts, Qimei is ready to welcome visitors from around the world and advance the shared vision of “Penghu’s Beauty, Islands United in Prosperity” as a model of sustainable tourism.