Government officials say Taiwan's tourism industry will soon rebound from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The comments from Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and transportation minister Wang Kwo-tsai (王國材) were said at a tourism industry celebration event. The event was symbolically held at Taiwan’s first five-star hotel, the Grand Palace Hotel, on Friday.
Lai says President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) values the tourism industry because of the vital role it plays in Taiwan’s economy. Lai said Tsai specifically invested part of the tax surplus last year on the tourism industry.
Meanwhile, Wang says the number of cross-straight flights will likely increase based on flight demands and the future development of the COVID-19 pandemic. China recently made a proposal to resume cross-strait flights to 16 destinations.
Wang says current flights are only at 5% capacity, so further discussions between airlines and flight agencies will determine whether China’s proposal will be accepted. Wang says the tourism bureau welcomes cross-strait tourism, but they are waiting for the right time to resume full operations.