TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Tourism Administration has extended post-earthquake travel subsidies of NT$1,000 (US$31) for individual travelers per room per weeknight in Taitung from August 1 to September 30.
The tourism subsidy program aims to revitalize an industry affected by the 7.2-magnitude earthquake on April 3. The subsidy for Taitung accommodations is part of a larger, three-phased subsidy program that serves Hualien.
Phase one of the subsidy program includes bus services to Hualien beginning on June 1. Taiwan Tourist Shuttle will offer free travel in Hualien, while fares aboard the Taiwan Tour Bus operating along the East Rift Valley will be reduced by 80%, per UDN.
The second phase applies to tour groups, with tour group operators receiving a maximum subsidy of NT$15,000 for accommodation expenses that involve 20 or more people. This subsidy program begins on July 1.
The third phase applies to individual travelers, who will be given a daily subsidy for weeknight accommodations. Taitung was included in the post-earthquake tourism revitalization program after the Tourism Administration reached a consensus with Taitung City Government.
The Tourism Administration said it is also coordinating highway reconstruction work and summer activities to attract tourists to the east coast. Overseas publicity campaigns are also underway, with officials hoping for a quick recovery in the tourism industry.