TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is gradually reopening its borders and implementing new plans to boost income and attract tourists from far and near.
Starting on March 31, Taoyuan International Airport will collect layover fees from international travelers.
This plan can generate approximately five hundred and NT＄50 million annually if transit numbers reach pre-pandemic levels of 2.96 million.
It is the first time the government has levied airport service fees on transit passengers since the international airport began operations in 1979.
Each traveler will have to pay NT＄500, with the exemption of honored guests, their families, and infants under two years old.
According to the Department of Navigation and Aviation, the collected revenue will be used for airport construction.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications plans to offer cash to attract more international travelers to Taiwan.
The ministry is preparing to distribute 500,000 vouchers of NT＄5000, scheduled to begin on April 15.
However, the details of how the subsidies will be given are still under discussion.
As the pandemic continues to improve, Taiwan has a chance to boost tax revenue while attracting foreign visitors.
However, the government must tackle the persistent shortage of tourism industry workers by encouraging employers to raise wages.
Taiwan must also expand its offerings beyond big cities by encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known destinations.
This is a challenging task, especially as rural populations age and dwindle.
However, making remote areas more welcoming to foreign visitors presents a real opportunity to promote equal development in Taiwan
