SOME 結果共115筆

The 2023 ITF Taipei International Travel Fair concluded with a total of 344,475 visits, representing a 76.3% growth from the previous year. The event, organized by the Taiwan Visitors Association, recorded a single-day attendance of 75,917 visitors on its final day. Numerous hotel groups and travel agencies reported strong sales performances, with some generating daily revenues in the millions and cumulative four-day returns exceeding a billion dollars. Exhibited travel products showcased Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia as preferred destinations, while long-haul trips to the Americas, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand also garnered significant interest. The 2024 ITF Taipei International Travel Fair is set to begin exhibitor registration on March 1, 2024, and will take place from November 1 to 4, 2024, at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center.

The Ministry of Education in Taiwan has proposed a monthly subsidy of NT$1,200 to NT$1,500 for students living on campus, starting in February 2024. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 260,000 students residing in public and private universities. The Education and Culture Committee of the Legislative Yuan examined the ministry’s budget for 2024, with some legislators suggesting the extension of the rent subsidy program to include on-campus students. The central government had previously expanded the rent subsidy policy for off-campus students in July, offering a monthly subsidy of NT$2,400 to NT$3,600. Additionally, legislators are interested in discussing a special program for college students with the Ministry of the Interior. The Department of Higher Education has confirmed its intention to provide a defined monthly subsidy to on-campus resident students, initially planning to offer NT$1,200 to NT$1,500 per month.

The Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau has fined four hotels in Taiwan between NT＄10,000 to NT＄50,000 for increasing room rates during Coldplay’s concerts on November 11 and 12 at the Kaohsiung National Stadium. To prevent the tourism and accommodation industry from exploiting such opportunities, the Tourism Bureau conducts proactive inspections of hotel room rates. Reports indicate that four hotels were found to have inflated their prices, with one hotel seeing a 60% increase, resulting in a fine of NT＄50,000. The Kaohsiung City Government is making efforts to establish the city as a major global concert destination, with performances by international and domestic acts scheduled for 2023. While these events stimulate the tourism economy and increase demand for hotel accommodations, some operators take advantage of the situation by raising room prices. The director of the Tourism Bureau, Kao Min-Lin, has urged industry operators not to inflate prices during festivals, major events, or concerts. The Tourism Bureau will continue to inspect hotel room rates, maintain tourism and accommodation quality through strict supervision, inspections, and fines, and protect consumer rights and interests.

Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) canceled a total of 86 train services on November 6 and 7, with an additional 13 services operating on a shortened route due to the Railway Staff Promotion Examination. As TRA prepares for corporatization in 2024, a significant staff shortage has arisen, with 297 drivers signing up for the exam conducted by the Examination Yuan. To address the shortage, TRA has adjusted the schedules of drivers who did not take the examination and enlisted reserve workforce, cross-unit drivers, and driving supervisors. Some freight train services and special train operations have been suspended. Despite these measures, the administration still faces a shortage of 60 crew members, resulting in a notable impact on railway schedules. The Jiji Line was particularly affected, with its entire service suspended on both days. To compensate, TRA launched a shuttle bus service between Ershui Station and Checheng Station.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications plans to open up tour groups to China and allow Chinese tour groups to Taiwan by March 1, 2024. However, some travel agencies find the pace of this ＂un-banning＂ too slow and have admitted to organizing tour groups to China under the guise of ＂visiting groups.＂ This ban, which has lasted for over three years, has severely impacted over 90% of Taiwan’s 4,000 plus travel agencies operating in the Chinese market.

Taiwan Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng announced that the nation’s mandatory military service may require some conscripts to serve on outlying islands. Chiu clarified that not all outlying islands have sufficient military resources, which may result in individuals being assigned there. During a special report by the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign and National Defense Committee, Chiu emphasized the need for firearms to be used silently to avoid detection amidst cross-strait tensions. He also addressed the possibility of extending the service period for mandatory service, indicating that this would require careful consideration and that willing and qualified individuals might serve in specific combat units. Chiu noted that obliging recruitment for combat units is a multidimensional process involving several steps and insurance issues. The military will continue to monitor different scenarios and work towards the most efficient conscription system.

Starlux Airlines denies allegations of forcing crew members to quit, insisting that trainees who were dismissed had the option to choose between voluntary and involuntary resignation. Some participants in Starlux’s flight attendant training claimed to have been compelled to sign ＂voluntary resignation＂ forms after failing assessments. Former employees cited abrupt changes in the exam system leading to their failure and subsequent forced departure.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je criticized former Minister of Agriculture Chen Chi-chung for what he sees as ineffective agricultural policies. During a visit to Tainan, Ko asked farmers to name the most successful former Council of Agriculture chief, and some mentioned Chen. Disagreeing with this view, Ko criticized Chen’s subsidy policy, specifically the funding allocations for eggs and pork, which he believes have not brought about structural changes in Taiwan’s pig and poultry industries.

Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare, Wang Pi-sheng, criticizes the ban of certain flu vaccine brands in schools, calling it a political move that exploits students. The government has approved a new flu vaccine from Medigen, but rumors of public resistance have led some regions to prohibit its use in schools. Wang argues that the government should help citizens make informed decisions based on scientific evidence.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck off the coast of Taiwan, causing tremors felt in various parts of the country. The quake originated east of the Hualien County Government Office and had a shallow depth of 5.7 kilometers. Some areas reported a seismic intensity of level 3, while others experienced a level 2 intensity. The Taipei Metro Company alerted riders of reduced speeds, but operations continue as usual. So far, there have been no reports of casualties or significant structural damage. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary.

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu emphasizes the importance of seeking support from other countries for Taiwan’s leading political figures when visiting abroad. Wu’s comments were made in response to former president Ma Ying-jeou’s criticisms of Robert O’Brien and some Americans for ＂weaponizing＂ Taiwan. Wu expressed regret over Ma’s remarks and stressed the need for international backing in the face of pressure from China. His message suggests that Taiwanese leaders should unite with supportive forces overseas rather than create discord.

Aspiring taxi drivers in Taiwan are flocking to the Keelung City Police Bureau to register for taxi service permits, with some traveling from as far as Taoyuan and New Taipei City. The permits offer a new career opportunity and exemption from business tax, license tax, and fuel tax. With only 900 slots available for the northern region and just 100 allotted to Keelung City, competition is fierce.

The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) issued an apology for the overcrowding experienced at its Taichung station on Sunday, with some passengers waiting for three hours without boarding. In preparation for the upcoming National Day holiday, the THSR promised to improve passenger guidance, divert passengers accordingly, and enhance crowd control measures.

Taiwan’s armed forces organized a military experience event at Hsinchu Hukou military base, attracting over 110,000 participants. However, attendees faced long waiting times, with some waiting up to 3 hours for shuttle buses.

Taiwanese seeking opportunities in China face growing challenges, leading some to repatriate while others opt to stay. These challenges stemmed from the U.S.-China trade war, the COVID-19 pandemic, and China’s economic downturn.

The torrential rain brought by Typhoon Khanun caused severe damage in Ren’ai Township, Nantou County, leading to landslides, power outages, and flooding. The disater created significant challenges for the residents, with some stranded due to the damages

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) unveiled on Monday (July 3) that nearly 6.5 million households in Taiwan filed their income for the year 2021, with approximately 3.05 million of them being exempted from paying taxes, including 13 households earned over NT＄ 5 million yearly income.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has dismissed national safety concerns raised by some Taiwanese citizens regarding the flight path of China Eastern Airlines. 

The recent announcement of winning numbers for Taiwan’s receipt lottery turned into an unexpected windfall for some lucky individuals who discovered they had received 100 times the amount they had won. 

不少民眾都有出國搭飛機的經驗，不過最近有網友坦言自己40歲才第一次搭機出國，在機上一直聽到空姐詢問乘客，「need some 歪歪」，讓他相當好奇是什麼意思。問題讓不少鄉民笑翻，另也有內行人秒解答。

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen arrived at the Lotte Hotel in New York City on Wednesday to a mixed reception. While supporters greeted her warmly, some anti-Taiwan independence protestors had gathered across the street.

In Taiwan, recruitment issues have been plaguing the military for some time now, and the recent incursions of Chinese aircraft into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ) have only underscored the urgent need for more personnel, especially pilots. 

The Taiwan Lantern Festival has brought a surge of customers to local stores in Taipei’s Eastern District, with some stores reporting double or triple the usual foot traffic, according to a store manager.

Taiwanese police officers remind iPhone users to set AirDrop to receiving from contacts only as some people use AirDrop to send inappropriate photos or videos to strangers. 

Taiwanese got into the Christmas spirit by preparing gifts and joining gift exchange parties last weekend. But some people received gifts that were quite out of the blue.