Hualien County Fosters an International-Friendly Environment 21 Local Businesses Join Government-Led Program Ahead of Major International Events

(中央社訊息服務20251125 17:25:35)In preparation for two major global sporting events coming to Hualien in 2026—the IDBF Club Crew World Championships (CCWC) and the International Children’s Games (ICG)—the Hualien County Government is stepping up efforts to build an international-friendly environment. Through its Bilingual Services Coaching Program, the county is helping local restaurants, hotels, souvenir shops, and tour providers improve their Chinese–English content, enabling them to better serve international visitors, clearly convey product and brand value, and foster a more welcoming and globally connected atmosphere.

This year, a total of 21 businesses were selected through an open call to participate in the program. Commissioned by the county government, a professional consulting team worked closely with each business to understand their needs and provide one-on-one support—from bilingual signage and menus to service manuals, tour descriptions, website content, and social media ads. Services included content development, English translation, and layout design, ensuring that each business could complete its bilingual upgrade efficiently.

Among the participants, Dajili Tribal House reported that foreign guests now make up roughly 60% of their visitors. Before implementing bilingual materials, staff relied mostly on simple words and hand gestures to communicate. With new bilingual signage, menus, and tour descriptions now in place, communication has greatly improved. Visitors are better able to understand the tribe’s stories, and both participation and satisfaction levels have significantly increased. Linji Fishball, another participating business, shared that taking orders used to be time-consuming due to language differences and varying accents. Since adopting a bilingual menu, service has become faster and smoother, and international customers have responded positively to the more accessible and friendly experience.

According to the Hualien County Government, bilingual upgrades help local businesses more clearly communicate product features, service procedures, and directions—all of which enhance the overall travel experience for international guests. This in turn can extend visitor stays and boost spending. All businesses that complete the program receive a “Bilingual-Friendly Shop” window sticker, making it easier for tourists to identify participating stores and feel more confident when entering. These businesses also serve as demonstration sites, encouraging nearby shops to join in and improve together. The county government plans to continue expanding this initiative, aiming to position Hualien as a more welcoming and internationally accessible destination for visitors from around the world.