HUALIEN (TVBS News) — Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) urged residents on Tuesday (Sept. 10) to visit Hualien during the Mid-Autumn Festival to boost tourism affected by natural disasters.
The Tourism Administration (觀光署) launched a new plan on Sept. 1, offering up to NT$1,000 per room per night for stays in Hualien hotels until Nov. 30. Residents can enjoy this discount once a month.
Hualien Hotel Association (花蓮縣旅館商業同業公會) Chairperson Chang Hsuan-han (張琄菡) noted that 19 hotels ceased operations due to earthquakes or typhoons. Chang hopes the government will subsidize utilities and salaries.
Chen I-feng (陳義豐), chairman of the Hualien Tourism Association (花蓮縣觀光協會), stated that the Suhua Highway (蘇花公路) disruption threatens Hualien's tourism industry. Although sea and air transport alternatives have been initiated, they cannot match rail and road capacity, offering limited relief to the industry.
Tourism Administration Director-General Chou Yung-hui (周永暉) explained that tax reductions involve central and local governments and require careful consideration. Chou mentioned ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Finance (MOF, 財政部). Regarding salary reductions, the Ministry of Labor (MOL, 勞動部) has introduced a plan and will continue to monitor its effectiveness.