The Maritime and Port Bureau (MPB) of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) continues to promote innovative lighthouse tourism. The opening and trial opperation of the Gaomei Lighthouse Accommodation Park, the first of its kind providing lodging service nationwide, was witnessed by guests including Minister Kwo-Tsai Wang of Transportation and Communications, Legislator Chi-Chang Tsai, Director Chen-Hua Han of the Department of Navigation and Aviation, Deputy Director Chun-Fu Shih of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Taichung City Government, Deputy Director General Yu-Cheng Chen of Taichung Tourism and Travel Burea, Chief Yi-Ping Huang of the Domestic Travel Promotion Division of the MOTC, Taichung City Councilor Li-Jen Wang, Taichung City Councilor Tien-Chung Yang, Chief Yao-Nan Hung of the Gaoxi Village, and Vice President Jong-Long Chen of the Port of Taichung, Taiwan International Ports Corporation, Ltd.(TIPC) on April 12, 2024. The park offers a variety of accommodations including a family room for four, a double suite, and 5 dormitory-style rooms; features local eateries (to provide light meals) and creative exhibitions combining local characteristics to develop innovative lighthouse tourism. Gaomei Lighthouse is the first in Taiwan to allow public access inside the lighthouse, and viewing sunsets from the Gaomei Lighthouse will become a major highlight for visitors to the Gaomei Wetlands.
Minister Kwo-Tsai Wang pointed out in his speech that the Gaomei Lighthouse is an representative historical building and landmark along the Taichung coast. Its distinctive red and white structure and the successful restoration of the valuable plant Chinese spiranthes, which blooms beautiful lilac flowers around April each year, show great tourism potential. Thanks to the long-term efforts of the Taichung City Government, the Gaomei Wetlands have already become an international tourist spot in Taiwan. The launch of the Gaomei Lighthouse Accommodation Park is expected to achieve integration with the tourism industry around the wetlands and coastal areas, creating a synergistic effect and further promoting the development of tourism in the Greater Taichung area.
Hsieh-Lung Yeh, Director General of the MPB, stated that with the support and supervision of the MOTC, the Gaomei Lighthouse Park has been comprehensively renovated in compliance with the Cultural Heritage Preservation Act, transforming it into a multifunctional space offering accommodation, dining, and exhibition services. The opening of the lighthouse tower to visitors is a highlight, allowing them to have a panoramic view of the sealine from the commanding heights. For this Gaomei Lighthouse accommodation project, MPB has gladly cooperated with Fawn Group Inc., which operates many tourist hotels domestically and internationally. On the premise of putting people first, the project integrates local characteristics and creative experiences, making the stay about more than just accommodation. It enables visitors to fully experience the cultural atmosphere of Taichung's coastal line, creating an irreplaceable lighthouse journey.
Hsieh-Lung Yeh further mentioned that to promote the opening of the Gaomei Lighthouse Accommodation Park, the Domestic Travel Promotion Division of the MOTC is also offering neck pillows of charming mascots OhBear and HiBear. Guests who stay during the promotional period and sign up as members will have the opportunity to receive a cute and practical neck pillow. Please seize the opportunity early, because quantities are limited.
Kwo-Tsai Wang stated that each lighthouse park has its own unique characteristics. This year, MPB introduced the “Lighthouse Tourism Smile Curve”, featuring new highlights each season, including volunteer storytelling, AR immersive experiences, and the 120th anniversary celebration of the Lighthouse on Dongyin Island. These diverse and in-depth lighthouse tourism activities transform lighthouses from hardly approachable buildings into attractions with stories, warmth, and emotional impact. In the future, visitors to the lighthouses can pause, enjoy a slower pace of life, and appreciate the beauty of lighthouses.
Contact person: Hsueh-Feng Lu, Maritime Safety Division
Phone number: 02-89786801
