TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tourism Administration Director-General Chou Yung-hui (周永暉) said on Tuesday that no subsidies will be provided for Hualien tourism this year.
Chou said that tourism subsidies will be offered only in response to natural disasters. The Cabinet will meet with tourism industry representatives on Jan. 21 or 22 to discuss issues such as labor shortages in the hospitality sector and airlines' expansion of flights and destinations, per CNA.
Taiwan aims to attract 10 million visitors this year, with an average daily spending target of NT$6,012 (US$185) to NT$6,337 per individual. Chou said the administration would collaborate with the Commerce Administration to implement measures that boost tourist spending.
Chou said this year's tourism expo is expected to be held in Kaohsiung. The administration said that Taiwan Tour Tech Wonderland, held in Taipei last December, showcased the integration of technology and tourism.
Chou aims to create tourism markets within a four- to eight-hour flight to Taiwan this year, focusing on India, New Zealand, and Australia. Tourism information centers for foreign visitors are expected to open this year in Sydney, Mumbai, Seattle, and Amsterdam.
Chou also highlighted North America and Europe as key markets for Taiwan's tourism expansion, with a focus on themed tourism such as birdwatching.
Chou added that Hualien tourism was severely impacted by the earthquake last April. To boost the industry, the administration launched a travel subsidy program last year, attracting 2.25 million visitors to the region.
