Transport Minister Ho Chen Tan says that tourist numbers are up despite a drop in visitors from China.
Ho Chen was speaking at the Legislature on Thursday, where he faced questions from lawmakers about the sharp decline in tourist arrivals from China in recent months. The drop, which began in the run-up to January’s election, has been linked to the victory of President Tsai Ing-wen and her Democratic Progressive Party. Beijing had previously threatened to cut the flow of tourists to Taiwan as a means of boycotting the new administration.
Ho Chen said that the Chinese tourist arrivals in May were down 12% compared to last year. He also said that Chinese arrivals in June likely fell even further, though not all data is yet in. However, he said that tourist arrivals have risen overall, suggesting the drop-off in Chinese visitors has been made up for by an increase in arrivals from other countries.