In Taiwan, the village of Houtong, once a bustling coal production hub, has found a new lease on life thanks to its feline residents. The village, located in Ruifang west of Taipei and formerly known as “monkey cave,” witnessed a dramatic population decline as the coal industry dwindled in the 1990s, leaving fewer than 100 residents. However, in 2008, a transformative initiative by local resident and photographer Peggy Chien, who began taking in abandoned cats, gradually turned the village into a tourist hotspot. Showcased on Flickr, her efforts captivated cat lovers across Taiwan, leading to an influx of visitors. Today, Houtong thrives with cat-themed cafes and shops amidst its historical ruins, providing a unique blend of cultural and modern tourist experiences.
Philippines Faces Challenges in Developing Smart Tourism
According to a report by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Philippines is lagging behind some of its Southeast Asian neighbors in developing smart tourism ecosystems. Titled “Smart Tourism Ecosystem Development Readiness in Southeast Asia,” the report scores countries on their readiness to adopt smart tourism, with the Philippines scoring 56 out of 100. This places it fourth among six ASEAN members evaluated, trailing behind Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, but ahead of Laos and Cambodia. High internet costs and accessibility issues in rural areas are cited as significant barriers, despite strong national policies favoring digitalization in tourism.
Cambodia Hosts Shaolin-Bokator Event as Cultural Diplomacy
Cambodia recently showcased its deepening ties with China through a unique cultural and diplomatic event titled “When Shaolin Meets Bokator at Angkor.” Held at the iconic Bayon Temple within the Angkor Archaeological Park, the event marked a significant moment in the “Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year 2024.” The opening ceremony, attended by dignitaries from both nations, highlighted the blend of martial arts traditions from Shaolin and Cambodian Bokator. Cambodian Minister of Tourism Sok Soken described the event as a breakthrough in cultural diplomacy, emphasizing its role in reinforcing the strategic Cambodia-China relationship under the broader “Belt and Road Initiative.”
These stories from Taiwan, the Philippines, and Cambodia illustrate the diverse strategies and challenges in leveraging cultural heritage and modern technology to boost tourism and international relations across Southeast Asia.
