The Matsu National Scenic Area Headquarters (hereafter referred to as the Matsu NSA) of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has responded to the MOTC's sustainable tourism policy and the Lienchiang County government's low-carbon tourism island development strategy. In 2024, the Matsu NSA actively collaborated with tourism industry operators to participate in various domestic and international certification efforts, achieving notable progress.
In 2022, the Matsu NSA launched a project, which was completed in phases in 2023 and 2024. The project upgraded the exhibition content and surrounding environment at the Beigan War and Peace Memorial Park's main pavilion. The project was well-executed, introducing modern exhibition equipment to Matsu's museums and recreating the civilian life and wartime governance of the military era, emphasizing the importance of peace. This project was recognized with the "MOTC 2023 Excellent Public Works Award" for outstanding achievement.
The Beigan Visitor Center, one of the must-visit attractions, received support from the office of legislator Chen Hsueh-sheng to improve visitor services. Taking into account the characteristics of the outlying islands, the Matsu NSA added wireless internet hotspots and partnered with Chunghwa Post to install ATMs, significantly enhancing the tourist experience. This effort underscores Matsu’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and smart travel services, earning the "MOTC 2024 i-center Innovative Service Award" for tourism service excellence.
To establish a more organized and systematic internal management system, improve the effectiveness of the administration's tourism staff, and build institutionalized practices for key business operations, the Matsu NSA achieved the "ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System" certification in 2024. This certification will help enhance internal control management, improving the services of the national scenic area and implementing carbon auditing practices for office spaces to promote green tourism.
The Matsu NSA currently operates the only environmental education facility in Lienchiang County, the "Matsu Nangan Environmental Education Facility and Field," which passed the Ministry of Environment's evaluation in 2024. To address the shortage of environmental education staff in the Matsu area, the office has commissioned an environmental education organization to create a video about Matsu’s environment. This video will be played at the Nangan Visitor Center, and visitors who watch the video and complete a quiz will receive certified environmental education hours. The goal is to deepen visitors' understanding of Matsu and encourage them to care for the land.
In line with the net-zero emission policies, employee travel, work meetings, and local tours have gradually shifted towards greener tourism. To assist local tourism operators in adapting and transforming, the Matsu NSA not only continues to promote the international Green Travel Seal (GTS) but also helped 7 local travel agencies apply for the Ministry of Environment's Bronze-Level Eco-Tourism Certification, which is expected to be awarded in early 2025.
In 2025, the Matsu NSA will continue promoting sustainable tourism while responding to the MOTC's dual transformation in sustainability and digital tourism. It will enhance digital tourism infrastructure, continue promoting diverse payment methods, and provide thoughtful tourism services to ensure that both domestic and international visitors enjoy a comfortable, slow-paced vacation experience in Matsu. The office aims to gradually establish Matsu as an international destination for slow tourism and a vacation island chain.
