Taiwan's tourism industry posted stellar performance last year, drawing a record-setting 5.5 million visitors to the island. And during a celebratory event on Tuesday, President Ma Ying-jeou presented a special award to the Honorary Chairman of Taiwan Visitors Association, Stanley Yen, in recognition of his contribution to the industry.

Upon receiving the special contribution award, Taiwan Visitors Association Honorary Chairman Stanley Yen said that he was sharing the honor with his superiors and colleagues.

Yen has spent the past four decades promoting tourism, and believes that tourism is a way to sell Taiwan.

Yen played a key role in using aboriginal culture to bring tourists to Taiwan, and says that roots should be planted for cultural promotion, rather than using culture only in short stints.

Yen is perhaps most well-known for his opposition to the construction of the Suhua Freeway, believing that construction would harm eastern Taiwan's beautiful visage.

He says that his love for Taiwan runs deep, and that in order for Taiwan's tourism industry to continue developing, the quality of tourism products must be improved.