Taiwan is strengthening its position as a gateway to multi-destination fly-cruise holidays across Northeast Asia, targeting India’s growing outbound travel market. With cruise itineraries connecting Taiwan with Japan and South Korea, alongside EVA Air’s upcoming direct Delhi–Taipei service from December 1, 2026, the destination is creating new opportunities for Indian travel companies to develop distinctive international holiday packages.
The initiative aims to encourage Indian travel advisors and tour operators to move beyond conventional single-destination holidays and introduce fly-cruise experiences for families, couples and premium travellers. These itineraries offer visitors the opportunity to combine Taiwan’s cultural attractions, vibrant cities, culinary experiences and natural landscapes with cruise journeys covering multiple destinations in a single holiday.
Paul Shih, Director – TTA, Singapore Office, said, “India is an important market with significant untapped potential for Taiwan, and we see an exciting opportunity to develop new travel products that respond to the evolving interests of Indian travellers. Cruise tourism can introduce visitors to Taiwan while offering the opportunity to discover other destinations across Northeast Asia in one holiday. With EVA Air’s direct Taipei-Delhi service commencing in December, we are keen to work with our airline, cruise and travel trade partners to make Taiwan more accessible and strengthen its position as both a destination in its own right and a gateway to wider regional experiences.”
Shih further highlighted the wider economic benefits of cruise tourism, citing the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Cruising for Impact report. Cruise-related spending supports a broader tourism ecosystem, including local businesses, tour operators, transport providers, restaurants, retailers and artisans. The report also cites Cruise Lines International Association data indicating that more than 60% of cruise passengers return to destinations they initially discovered through a cruise.
Naresh Rawal, Senior Vice President – India & Middle East, StarDream Cruises, said, “India represents a significant growth opportunity for the global cruise industry, with an increasingly experience-driven outbound travel market and growing demand for distinctive international holidays. The launch of direct flights between Delhi and Taipei by EVA Air creates an exciting opportunity to develop Taiwan as a gateway for Indian fly-cruise travellers. With the ability to combine a holiday in Taiwan with multi-country cruise itineraries across Northeast Asia, including Japan and South Korea, Taiwan can offer Indian travellers a compelling combination of destination experiences and the convenience of discovering several countries in a single holiday.”
Scheduled to commence operations on December 1, 2026, EVA Air’s Delhi–Taipei service will provide Indian travellers with a non-stop connection to Taiwan. The route is expected to create opportunities for travel companies to develop packages combining air travel, destination stays and cruise departures.
The fly-cruise initiative was highlighted at the Taiwan Tourism Administration’s (TTA) recent tourism promotion event in New Delhi, which brought together Indian travel industry representatives and media. Six supplier partners participated, including four Taiwanese destination management companies, StarDream Cruises and EVA Air, to showcase tourism offerings and explore industry collaboration.
Further enhancing its appeal to international visitors, TTA also offers a complimentary half-day transit tour for eligible travellers, subject to flight schedules and applicable entry and transit requirements. Visitors can choose guided bus tours or independent exploration to experience Taiwanese culture, neighbourhoods and cuisine during their transit.