The Ministry of Transportation and Communications' Tourism Bureau stated that the "Expanded Domestic Travel Warm Winter Campaign" to be carried out in January next year, after considering the desire of local stakeholders to participate and respecting the resolution of the Legislative Yuan's Transportation Committee, has decided to include Taipei City, Taoyuan City, and Hsinchu City in the independent travel accommodation incentive scope. It is expected to invest an additional NT$320 million, adding 250,000 room nights, which could generate approximately 500,000 more travelers.
The Tourism Bureau introduced the "Expanded Domestic Travel Warm Winter Campaign" mainly because over 90% of domestic trips by residents are one-day tours. To promote deeper local tourism, the campaign has expanded to include counties and cities with an average three-year hotel occupancy rate of less than 50%, and provides extra subsidies for seniors aged 60+, youths under 30, and family travelers.
Under the "Expanded Domestic Travel Warm Winter Campaign," for those participating in national domestic tour groups or staying at hotels in 19 counties and cities on Sundays to Thursdays in January next year, each room will receive a subsidy of NT$1,000. For seniors over 60, youths under 30, and family travelers, the subsidy is increased to NT$1,500 per room.
According to this rule, Taipei City, Hsinchu City, and Taoyuan City were not included in the independent travel accommodation discount scope of the "Expanded Domestic Travel Warm Winter Campaign" because their three-year average hotel occupancy rates were 66.89%, 54.5%, and 52.56% respectively, sparking protests from legislators and industry operators. Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan even threatened to push for the replacement of Tourism Bureau Director-General Chou Yung-hui, prompting the Tourism Bureau to reverse its decision after discussions and extend the benefits to all of Taiwan.
(Times News Information)