Looking for a bargain road trip this year? Going to Taiwan, where there are plans to actually pay tourists to come here.
Taiwanese officials are seeking to provide a financial incentive of new NT$5,000 (about $164) per tourist or NT$20,000 ($654) for follow-up tours groups to help increase the number of tourists.
About half a million foreign visitors will benefit from the scheme, which is designed to help the government meet its target of 6 million visitors by the end of the year.
Taiwan only fully reopened its borders in October last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has since failed to attract even a tenth of the number of tourists compared to previous years. As a result, officials are now spending money to make money.
How will it work?
Chang Shi-chung, general manager of the Tourism Bureau of Taiwan, said the financial package will be sent digitally to a travel card, ensuring all cash goes directly back to the country’s tourism industry. water.
Chang explained, “International tourists given NT$5,000 will not receive it until they arrive. “This money will be stored in an electronic ticketing card, which can be used to pay for meals, accommodation and other travel expenses during their stay.”
Related: Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines will start flying to the US in April
There is no word yet on when and where this cash will be given to tourists, only that it will be distributed through a number of “promotion events” this year.
The fact that we’re writing this and you’re reading this means that, at least in terms of marketing, Taiwan has found a clever way to tell the world it’s open for business. Whether this translates to the 10 million tourists it hopes to attract by 2025 remains to be seen.
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It’s also not the first Asian destination to throw money at dwindling tourist numbers. Last month, Hong Kong revealed it was giving away half a million free airline tickets to win back visitors in a project called “Hello Hong Kong”.
How far will the cash go?
Quite far, really. The cost of living in this part of Asia is cheaper than in many of its larger neighbours; a week-long getaway can take you less time than the same time in many European destinations.
In Taiwan’s capital Taipei, you can find 5-star hotel rooms for around $84 per night in June for two. While perhaps a more honest reflection of how far your dollar will go is through the “Big Mac index,” the index features $2.50 divine meatloaf in Taiwan. Loan compared to the average cost of $6.05 in the US – food (junk) worth thinking about.
Why is Taiwan tourism exhausted?
The move comes at a time of increased uncertainty in the travel market still affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Annual visitor numbers were around 11.8 million before the pandemic but dropped to just 9,000 last year.
This can cause significant damage to businesses, including hotels, airlines, restaurants and entertainment companies around the country.
Another possible reason for the decline in the tourism market could be the escalating tension between China and Taiwan. Tensions have prompted warnings from the United States to China of a possible invasion.
Just this week, 25 Chinese fighter jets and three warships were spotted off the coast of Taiwan in the latest provocation aimed at exerting geopolitical influence.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit Taiwan – stay away from it. The US State Department gives Taiwan a “Level 1” travel advice, “common precautions” for travel.
bottom line
Let’s be honest, unless you’re already planning on exploring this exciting corner of Asia in 2023, the $164 stipend probably won’t be enough to convince you to visit when a flight can be expensive. three or four times that number.
However, if you’re not one of the half a million tourists who benefited from the campaign, you can comfort yourself with the amazing food and scenery.
