TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Legislative Yuan (立法院) on Tuesday (Jan. 7) passed amendments to the "Act for the Development of Tourism" (發展觀光條例), significantly increasing fines for tourism operators lacking proper licenses. The new penalties range from NT$100,000 to NT$2 million, with non-compliant operators facing business closure.
Legislators also extended the sunset clause of the act by five years, allowing specific accommodations like temple pilgrim buildings and military hero halls to apply for hotel registration until Jan. 21, 2030. This extension provides a buffer period for these establishments to comply with the new regulations.
The amendments raise fines for non-compliant accommodation providers from NT$30,000 to NT$300,000, with authorities authorized to halt services until full compliance. Additionally, bed-and-breakfast operators without registration certificates now face fines between NT$100,000 and NT$1 million, along with mandatory business cessation.
Operators who improperly distribute or advertise business information will incur fines from NT$100,000 to NT$1.5 million. They must remove such information within a specified period, and failure to comply may lead to repeated fines. The new legislation introduces a fine between NT$30,000 and NT$50,000 for travel businesses not securing performance bonds or liability insurance as per Article 31 of the act.
