High prices in Kenting aren't just the fault of businesses — he points out the contradiction in the mindset of 'urban tourists'

Kenting, a popular tourist destination in southern Taiwan, has been plagued by negative news, severely damaging its tourism image. In particular, the high cost of living there has deterred many Taiwanese travelers, with a NT$1,000 (approx. $30 USD) snack sparking widespread discussion. But why exactly are prices in Kenting so astonishing? A financial writer pointed out that it’s not just an issue with businesses — the 'urban tourism' mentality of visitors also bears some responsibility.

The controversy over tourism in Kenting continues to heat up. Financial writer Lu Guan-an previously wrote on Crossings.tw, questioning whether people truly understand Kenting when they criticize it for being outrageously expensive and lacking in character. He stated that the way many travelers experience Kenting is merely 'shopping in a different place' or 'partying in a different place,' creating a 'strange' scenario where both sides are willing participants.

He wrote that the reason for high consumption in Kenting isn’t solely the fault of businesses — the 'urban tourism' mindset of local tourists is also partly to blame. Urban dwellers visiting Kenting aren’t there to enjoy its unique natural features but rather 'demand the same level of comfort as at home.' For example, going on a trip but spending the whole day inside a high-end resort hotel, he questioned, does that really count as visiting 'nature'? It’s no different from another concrete jungle or artificially created scenic spot.

He said that the influx of tourists, coupled with the 'urban tourism' mindset of Taiwanese people, inevitably leads to high prices in Kenting. Moreover, many areas in Kenting are overly crowded. He described it as, 'just like Kaohsiung’s Liuhe Night Market — then I might as well just go to downtown Kaohsiung. Why suffer through it in Kenting?'

Finally, he also lamented that the debate over tourism prices and quality in Kenting 'is far more than just a question of who wins or loses between consumers and tourism businesses. The silent ecosystems and wildlife are the ultimate losers.' Recreational activities lacking environmental awareness bring construction waste and trash along with the crowds, putting immense pressure on the natural environment and wildlife.