Taiwan and Japan’s Okinawa prefecture jointly hosted a travel industry promotional event in New York on Thursday, May 7, marking the first cross-border collaboration between the two destinations to attract North American tourists. 

The Taiwan Tourism Administration’s New York office and Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau held the 2026 Taiwan Okinawa briefing, highlighting the geographic proximity of the two destinations, just 90 minutes by flight, as a key selling point for flexible multi-stop itineraries. 

Taiwan Ambassador Tom Lee (李志強) noted that Taipei is actually closer to Okinawa than Tokyo is, making a combined trip a natural fit. Officials emphasized that Okinawa was named one of the New York Times 52 Places to Go in 2026, presenting a timely opportunity to boost regional tourism. 

Representatives from China Airlines, EVA Air, and Japan Airlines attended the event, presenting flight options from North America to both destinations. Taiwan’s tourism office said East Coast travelers, who prioritize cultural immersion and culinary experiences, are an ideal audience for the complementary offerings of both destinations.