World Wonders Treated Like Trash: Netizens Analyze Kenting Tourism’s Failures

Rental shops for electric scooters also have plenty to complain about due to the drop in mainland Chinese tourists. (Photo: United Daily News archives)

The controversy over the "avalanche" effect on Kenting tourism continues, with the reasons not limited to the sharp decline in mainland Chinese visitors—failing to attract Taiwanese travelers is also a major issue. Recently, a netizen posted on PTT, pointing out that Kenting’s tourism resources actually have huge potential and could learn from the development of Guam and New Zealand. But the reality is that “world wonders are treated like trash,” and the “disposable” management approach has unsurprisingly led to failure. The post harshly criticized the marketing efforts as scoring zero.

The Pingtung Forest District Office previously opened applications for an outdoor exhibition area in Kenting National Forest Recreation Area, but was criticized for its ugly cement-colored seats that fail to blend into the forest environment. (Photo: United Daily News archives)

Recently, there have been repeated reports within Kenting National Park of lodging operators bringing guests to Sheding Park and feeding wild sika deer carrots. There are concerns it could become the next Kaohsiung’s Shoushan. The Kenting National Park Headquarters warns that offenders will be fined NT$3,000. (Photo: United Daily News archives)

A netizen analyzed Kenting’s tourism on PTT, stating that its primary failure lies in “disposable” management, lacking proper oversight and marketing. For example, the world wonder along the route, “Huo” in Hengchun, is practically treated like garbage, with shabby and dilapidated surrounding facilities. It’s puzzling why such a major tourism highlight is wasted. “Stop just complaining about the ‘poor foundation’—there are places with uglier scenery that are managed more successfully.”

He also pointed out that the public shouldn’t compare Kenting to Okinawa. “Aside from its stunning natural scenery, Okinawa’s biggest strengths are the self-discipline of its tourism industry and its long-standing cultural heritage—areas where Taiwan lags far behind. Comparing directly will only lead to defeat and nothing learned.” He suggested learning from Guam, Wuzhen in China, Sentosa in Singapore, and New Zealand.

Spring Scream losing steam / Screenshot from CTi News

For instance, learning how Guam creates a complete Kenting-style vacation experience without guests even leaving their hotels, or how to effectively combine man-made entertainment with natural landscapes—like Guam’s Rainbow Church. New Zealand’s natural landscape marketing strategies can also be referenced, attracting tourists through the most beautiful and least artificial means, such as Cathedral Cove, the filming location of The Chronicles of Narnia, which creates an extended sense of a hidden paradise.

Additionally, he analyzed from the perspectives of culture, management, transportation, and convenience services. Relying solely on individual Kenting businesses working separately without integration is simply impossible to improve local tourism quality. “Tourism planning is stuck 20 years in the past.” More importantly, an elimination system must be established: any business that “rips off” tourists, pollutes, operates illegally, damages marine ecology, or sells fake seafood should simply be barred from operating in Kenting. “Otherwise, a few bad apples will ruin it for everyone.”

After the netizen’s insightful analysis of Kenting tourism failures, one commenter replied, “Read it carefully and give it a thumbs up. What’s up with Kenting?” “Taiwan needs people with sustainable values to fix its tourism.” “Not just Kenting lacks overall planning—many places in Taiwan do.” However, others argued, “The main issues with Kenting come down to sky-high prices that make tourists feel they’re getting no value. Trying to imitate other regions’ business models is putting the cart before the horse.”