TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Tourism Bureau reported a significant increase in hotel and bed-and-breakfast (B&B) establishments for the first half of 2024. A total of 771 new operators entered the market, with 733 being legal B&Bs, representing 95% of the new entrants. However, the rise in illegal short-term rentals remains a concern.
Authorities imposed fines totaling NT$56.92 million on illegal lodging operators across various counties and cities.
The number of legal hotels nationwide slightly decreased by six cases, totaling 3,319, a marginal 0.18% drop from the same period last year. In contrast, unregistered hotels increased to 1,119, with 359 hotels and 760 short-term rentals, marking a rise of 21 hotels and 109 short-term rentals compared to last year.
Taipei leads in illegal short-term rentals with 201 cases, followed by Taichung with 172 and Kaohsiung with 99. Yilan tops the list for illegal hotels with 131, followed by Nantou with 46, and Pingtung with 38.
Inspectors conducted 3,126 hotel checks, with Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung leading the way. Authorities issued fines 410 times, with Taipei, Taichung, and Tainan (台南) being the top offenders.
The number of legal B&Bs rose to 11,872, an increase of 733. Unregistered B&Bs also grew to 631, with Pingtung County, Nantou County, and Taitung County having the highest numbers.
Inspectors checked 7,270 B&Bs, with Yilan, Taitung, and Penghu leading. Authorities issued fines 276 times, with Hualien County, Pingtung, and Yilan being the top offenders.
The Tourism Bureau's findings highlight the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to curb illegal lodging practices and protect legitimate businesses.