Penghu residents, experts question value of gambling

"And I think security would become so bad that I would not be able to take care of my shops."

Chen Chi-ji (陳墀吉), a professor of tourism, said that Penghu itself has enough resources to attract tourists, but that these resources had been ignored.

"In my opinion, gambling should be legalized in a well-developed city, such as Taipei, which is more able to handle the serious side-effects gambling would bring," Chen said.

To show its regret for the decline in tourism in Penghu, China Airlines has sponsored a one-month long seafood and beer festival, which will start next week.

But Kao doubted the value of such events.

"Only when the government spends money in the right way will Penghu's tourism develop," he said. "Who wants to fly to Penghu just for seafood and beer."