The Tourism Administration under the Transportation Ministry has set an ambitious target of attracting 12 million international tourists to the island nation this year, aiming to restore tourist numbers to pre-pandemic levels. However, concerns loom within the tourism industry on how achievable this goal is given the absence of Chinese tourists.
Addressing these concerns, Transportation Minister Wang Kwo-tsai (王國材) emphasized during an interview on Tuesday that Taiwan still managed to draw 6.48 million foreign tourists last year despite the lack of Chinese visitors. Wang pledged continued efforts to entice tourists from key markets such as Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia and India, highlighting how Taiwan's expanded overseas presence with 18 new offices, including a new office in India, would assist in these efforts.
Wang acknowledged the challenges posed by high hotel room rates and labor shortages in Taiwan's tourism sector. He noted discussions with industry stakeholders attributing the expensive room prices to low off-peak demand. Wang says attracting more foreign tourists during off-peak periods to bolster hotel revenues would lessen financial pressure on the tourism industry, a strategy supported by industry players potentially giving them leeway to adjust room rates.
In response to labor shortages, the Tourism Administration rolled out a subsidy program offering employers a monthly incentive of NT$5,000 (US$158). This initiative has already attracted 2,000 participants and reflects the government's commitment to addressing workforce challenges in the tourism sector.