Tourists visiting Taiwan this year is estimated to reach seven million, exceeding last year’s figure of 6.08 million international visitors.

According to the Tourism Bureau Statistics, a total of 4,776,022 international tourists visited the nation between January and August this year, registering year-on-year growth of 24.76 percent.

The figures reached double digit growth each month so far this year with March and June experiencing a 30 percent increase.

Visitors from China showed the highest increase, growing by 54 percent during the period, followed by the source markets Hong Kong, Macau and Japan.

The bureau further noted that it has aimed to gradually raise the number of international visitors to 10 million each year by 2016, aiming to expand source markets in India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The bureau also hopes to streamline the application procedures for entry permits for independent travellers and business travellers from China in aim to motivate more people to visit the country.

Next year’s marketing strategy for Taiwan will focus on six major tourism themes including the nation’s cuisine, culture, healthy and sustainable lifestyles, eco-tourism and shopping.