TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Minister of Transportation and Communications Li Men-yen (李孟諺) announced Tuesday (July 30) the extension of travel subsidies until the end of the year to boost tourism in Hualien. The initiative, initially set to end in September, will now continue to support the region's recovery from the April earthquake and recent disruptions caused by Typhoon Gaemi.
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC, 交通部) introduced the subsidies to attract visitors after the earthquake severely impacted Hualien's tourism industry. Despite the extension, the budget remains unchanged at over NT$800 million. Currently, only about 10% of the funds have been utilized.
Li noted that the independent travel subsidies have resulted in 110,000 room bookings in Hualien. The occupancy rate has increased from 11% after the earthquake to 24%. However, the typhoon has led to cancellations, prompting the Tourism Administration (觀光署) to consider more substantial support for the tourism sector.
The Tourism Administration added that subsidies for travel agencies bringing international tourists will increase. Groups of 8 to 14 people will see their subsidies rise from NT$10,000 to NT$20,000, up to NT$20,000 to NT$30,000. If the itinerary includes an overnight stay in Hualien, each group will receive NT$30,000 to NT$50,000. The administration is still deliberating on additional amounts for domestic group travel subsidies.
