TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Tourism Administration said several hundred campsites have applied for certification since new rules were introduced in 2022.

According to the administration's statistics, only 154 of Taiwan’s 1,761 campsites are legally operated. On Friday, the administration reported that since the introduction of the new regulations, 735 campsites have applied for legal status, per CNA.

In the first year after the new rules took effect, two campsites applied for certification. The administration said the huge rise in applications since shows its efforts to encourage legal campsite operations have worked.

The administration said the regulations were implemented in consultation with government agencies including the agriculture, environment, and economic ministries, local governments, and the Council of Indigenous Peoples. It said the regulations have been updated on a rolling basis since implementation.

The new regulations allowed operators to apply to run campsites less than one hectare in size on agricultural or forestry land. Campsite facilities must comply with building and conservation laws to be approved.

The Tourism Administration called on unregistered operators to contact government agencies for guidance as soon as possible. It said this will ensure safe campsites and sustainable development for the industry.