TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The National Policy Foundation (國家政策研究基金會), the opposition Kuomintang's (KMT, 國民黨) think tank, scrutinized Taiwan's tourism policies on Thursday (Nov. 14), highlighting the critical role of Chinese tourists. Foundation member Chen I-min (陳宜民) stressed the need to revitalize the post-pandemic tourism industry, suggesting amendments to tourism development regulations and calling for a national tourism conference.
Kuomintang Legislator Yu Hao (游顥) advocated attracting Chinese tourists and inviting high-level Chinese officials to Taiwan to foster more profound cross-strait exchanges. Yu emphasized the significant impact of tourism on Nantou's development. He noted that opening Taiwan to Chinese tourists previously brought prosperity, but recent closures have led to industry stagnation, adversely affecting Nantou's growth.
Chen cited the Tourism Administration's (觀光署) data. Taiwan saw nearly 11.8 million outbound trips in 2023, with total expenditures exceeding NT$713.4 billion. Only 6.487 million foreign tourists visited, spending approximately NT$269.8 billion, resulting in a tourism deficit of NT$443.6 billion.
Lee Chi-yuen (李奇嶽), chairman of the High Quality of Travel Association (中華優質旅遊發展協會), highlighted challenges in post-pandemic market recovery and cross-strait tensions, urging proactive market expansion strategies and effective policies.
Lee Ming-hui (李銘輝), president of the Chinese Tourism Management Association (中華觀光管理學會), emphasized the high spending power of Chinese tourists, who stay for 8 to 9 days, significantly contributing to local economies and job creation. He suggested reviving the Chinese tourist market could bolster regional development and employment opportunities.