Drastic Drop in Mainland Tourists Causes Revenue Crisis – Travel Industry Mobilizes Ten Thousand for Protest on Ketagalan Boulevard on September 12

▲ A sharp drop in the number of mainland tourists visiting Taiwan this year. (Illustration / Photo by Reporter Chang Yizhong)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Affected by the sharp decline in the number of mainland tourists visiting Taiwan this year, many travel agencies and related industries specializing in mainland visitors have been hit hard. Century Era Travel Agency, which primarily catered to mainland tour groups, has even been ordered to cease operations, becoming the first casualty of the downturn. To urge the government to address and resolve the issue, the General Association of Travel Agents said it has applied for road usage rights on September 12 and will mobilize personnel from related industries to march from Huashan 1914 Creative Park to Ketagalan Boulevard, with an estimated turnout of ten thousand people.

The General Association of Travel Agents pointed out that since the new government took office, the number of mainland tourists has decreased, heavily impacting businesses such as travel agencies, hotels, tourist attractions, and tour bus operators. Many voices have claimed that the severe impact is solely because these businesses relied too much on mainland tourists. However, the General Association of Travel Agents also stated that the tourism industry simply follows government policies, and attributing all the blame to them is unfair.

Regarding the street protest on September 12 — the first time in the history of the tourism industry that professionals have taken to the streets — participants include the travel association, hotels, hot spring businesses, tour bus companies, and other related industries. They hope to draw attention and prompt the government to step in and resolve the issues through their appeal.