Taiwan unveils NT$3B plan to revive tourism after quake

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Minister of Transportation and Communications, Wang Kwo-tsai, announced Tuesday (April 17) that the Tourism Bureau is drafting three revitalization plans in response to the devastating earthquake that hit Hualien earlier this month.

The plans, which include relief measures, arranging accommodations for disaster victims, and subsidies for individual and group tourists, are estimated to cost NT$3 billion and are expected to be implemented in May and June.

On April 3, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Hualien, causing severe damage and impacting the tourism industry. Some hotels in Hualien have temporarily closed, with the Hualien Chateau de Chine Hotel announcing its permanent closure and the expected layoff of all 86 employees.

The "Taroko Village Hotel" resort located in Taroko National Park also announced early contract termination and the dismissal of all staff.

Wang said the Executive Yuan has also convened related meetings to discuss the revitalization of Hualien and Taitung. Various units have proposed plans, with the Executive Yuan determining the implementation time, which is currently estimated to be around May and June.

When asked about the possibility of adopting a past housing subsidy of NT$500 per night, Wang said it would depend on the actual confirmation of the proposals put forward.