TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Tourism Administration (觀光署) announced Monday (Dec. 2) a slight decline in hotel room prices from January to September this year. The average room rate dropped to NT$2,943, a decrease of NT$30 or 1.01% compared to last year.
The administration also reported a gradual recovery in occupancy rates in Hualien and Taitung following a strong earthquake in April. The administration's analysis revealed that the hotel occupancy rate from January to September was 48.33%, down 1.51 percentage points from 49.84% last year. They attributed this decline to the reopening of borders and currency fluctuations.
In Hualien and Taitung, the occupancy rate, severely affected by the earthquake, typhoons, and low traveler confidence, saw a gradual rebound. Hualien's occupancy rate in the second quarter was around 10%, gradually improving from 20% to 30%.
Taitung experienced occupancy rates between 23% and 36% from April to September, indicating a steady return of guests. The third quarter saw occupancy growth across several regions: Hsinchu County at 58.68%, Tainan City at 51.5%, New Taipei City at 50.35%, Kaohsiung City at 49.3%, Penghu County at 37.58%, and Yunlin County at 28.49%.
The Tourism Administration highlighted local culture, cuisine, arts, concerts, sports events, and fireworks festivals as crucial drivers in encouraging overnight stays and promoting the harmonious development of local food, lodging, travel, shopping, and transportation sectors.
