TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Hualien's tourism industry is under strain due to unstable slopes on the Suhua Highway (蘇花公路) caused by a magnitude 4.03 earthquake. Occupancy rates at local accommodations have dropped to between 25% and 35%, sparking concern among operators about declining tourist numbers.
Chang Hsuan-han (張琄菡), president of the Hualien Hotel Association (花蓮縣旅館商業同業公會), said that the occupancy rate in July remained between 22% and 25%, largely due to events like the Summer Festival. Chang stressed that transportation safety is key to attracting tourists. While maritime transport is an option, it takes three to four hours, limiting its effectiveness.
Chang revealed that operators will launch a self-help initiative called "Next Stop, Hualien," offering a 10% discount on-site to holders of non-Hualien physical tickets, hoping to draw more tourists.
Chen Yi-feng (陳義豐), head of the Hualien County Tourism Association (花蓮縣觀光協會), stated that natural disasters have impacted the tourism market. Despite a NT$1,000 accommodation subsidy, only about 1,000 accommodations apply daily, accounting for less than 10% of Hualien's 16,000 legal accommodations.
Chen appealed to the central government to implement subsidy policies as soon as possible to help operators survive. He believes that sea or air transport are only temporary substitutes, with long journeys and high costs, and hopes for improved safety on the Suhua Highway and railways.
Lin Hsu Tse-yu (林徐則鈾), head of an association representing bed and breakfast owners in Hualien, noted that thanks to the Summer Festival, the occupancy rate on June 6 and 7 was around 35%. He expressed hope that tourists would continue to return.
