Taiwanese sugar painting artist attracts global attention at tourism show

Singapore, Oct. 15 (CNA) Taiwan's "Sugar Painting Uncle," Bill Hsieh (謝永清), impressed visitors with his folk art performance at the Taiwan Pavilion during the opening day of the International Tourism Exchange Asia (ITB Asia) in Singapore on Wednesday.

Sugar painting is a traditional Taiwanese folk art in which melted sugar is molded into intricate, edible designs.

A British travel agency executive identified only as John was captivated by Hsieh's performance, stopping to take photos and chat with staff from the booth.

He told CNA that he knows Taiwan is a culturally diverse place known for its technology and cuisine, and said he hoped more international travelers will have the chance to visit.

Cultural experiences play a key role in promoting tourism because they help shape a distinctive international image for Taiwan, said Paul Shih (施志忠), director of the Tourism Administration's Singapore office.

Taiwan's pavilion, themed "Waves of Wonder," is organized by the Tourism Administration to help Taiwanese businesses connect with global buyers. As Asia's travel market expands rapidly, ITB Asia has become the region's most influential business-to-business platform, Shih said.

Now in its 18th year, ITB Asia is being held at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from Oct. 15 to 17 and features thousands of companies from across the Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, representing every segment of the global travel industry, the website said.