To boost the nation's tourism industry, a business leader yesterday urged the government to increase the import of cheap foreign workers, but critics of the idea said the industry should pay more attention to quality instead of cost.
"The introduction of cheap foreign workers to work in Taiwan's health spa sector will help the industry maintain cost-efficiency," Candy Tang (唐雅君), chairwoman of Alexander Health Club (亞歷山大俱樂部), told the Taipei Times yesterday.
"Singapore, for instance, has recently given the green light for Thai workers to work in its resorts," Tang said. "Taiwan should consider adopting the same practice in order to lure domestic as well as international travelers."
Tang estimated that companies could cut labor costs in half if they hire Thai workers rather than domestic workers. As the demand for health-spa services is on the rise, she estimated the workforce the industry needs is expected to grow nearly 50 percent within two years.
However, one government official said foreign workers may only bring in limited help.
"Most of the nation's hot spring and resort visitors are Taiwanese, and therefore they may find it difficult to communicate with foreign workers," said Ma Huei-ta (馬惠達), a section chief at the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
As the government has minimum wage requirements for foreign workers, spa operators are not expected to save money by hiring foreign workers, Ma said.
Another health club operator said quality, not cost, can lead Taiwan's tourism market to a better destination.
"Even if there are cost advantages in employing foreign workers, spa operators have to pay more attention to their training to ensure quality of service," said Joyce Yang (
She elaborated that since spa services involve physical contact and close personal communication, friendly service and professional skills are essential.
Nevertheless, according to the International Spa Association, Taiwan's spa industry market is worth about NT$20 billion and is expected to see a 20 percent annual increase over the next three years.
Against this backdrop, Alexander is planning to raise the chain's number of aroma therapists from 223 to 400 employees next year, in addition to opening 10 new centers, Tang said.
Both Tang and Yang made the remarks on the sidelines of the 2003 ISPA Asia Pacific Conference held yesterday in Taipei. A total of 55 companies are showcasing their latest products and skills at the Taipei International Convention Center.
The show is open between 9am and 5pm and runs until tomorrow. Admission is NT$200.
RSS