The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ spring travel subsidy program has allocated approximately NT$24 million to Chiayi City. Guests can enjoy a NT$500 discount per hotel room, but the quota is limited—first come, first served. The city government and the Alishan Forest Railway Cultural Assets Office have launched a joint campaign to attract visitors, offering free rides on the cedar-walled carriages of the Alishan mini train along the urban section. Those who present their accommodation receipts or reach a minimum spending threshold can also enter a lucky draw to win a luxury car worth millions.
Mayor Huang Min-hui said that 58 hotels and inns in Chiayi City are participating in the spring travel program. Stay one night in Chiayi City, ride the mini train for free, and you might even drive away a luxury car worth millions. “Traveling in Chiayi City is delicious, comfortable, and even more fun.”
Huang Miao-hsiu, director of the Alishan Forest Railway Cultural Assets Office, said that the starting point of the Alishan Forest Railway is in Chiayi City. The once most bustling section between Chiayi City and Beimen is now known as the “Cultural New Silk Road.” In just an 8-minute train ride, you can experience the century-old charm of the Alishan Forest Railway in Chiayi City. Popular photo spots include the Forest Song, Beimen Station, the Sleeping Forest, and the Cedar Forest Cultural Village.
The Chiayi City Government’s Tourism and Culture Division stated that, for those traveling in Chiayi City this spring, 520 love-themed trains will be added. Additionally, with one accommodation receipt and proof of reaching a minimum spending amount in the urban area, participants can enter a lucky draw. The top prizes include one luxury car worth millions and two presidential suite vouchers at the five-star Nobis Prince Hotel.
The Tourism Administration Section of the Chiayi City Government’s Tourism and Culture Division said that during last year’s winter travel subsidy program, the city’s hotel occupancy rate increased by about 20–30% compared to the same period. This year’s spring travel subsidy program uses the number of hotel rooms in each county and city as the basis for subsidies, offering a NT$500 discount per room. Chiayi City has approximately 5,050 rooms, receiving about NT$24 million in subsidies, with around NT$16 million allocated for independent travelers and NT$8 million for group tourists. The quota will be exhausted once used up.
Zeng Wen-en, deputy manager of Jianan Fonghua Hotel, said that last year’s winter travel subsidy program increased the weekday occupancy rate by about 20%. This year, due to the limited subsidy quota, the hotel is offering additional incentives such as coupons for its sky bar and family-friendly attractions to attract guests.