The Tourism Bureau yesterday said that it hoped the government subsidies provided through an Executive Yuan stimulus package would “ignite a small fire” in the domestic tourism market.
Bureau Deputy Director-General Chang Shi-chung (張錫聰) said that the bureau and Directorate -General of Highways (DGH) are to provide a subsidy of NT$136 million (US$4.15 million) to boost the number of domestic travelers.
The funding for the tourism stimulus plan would come from the budget from respective agencies.
Bureau statistics showed that people spend an average 1.45 days traveling around the nation and only 30 percent of domestic travelers spend the night at a hotel.
The bureau expects subsidies would help boost consumption in the tourism sector by between NT$400 million and NT$500 million, but the bureau still needs to clarify some issues, Chang said.
“This is the first time that we have subsidized tourists to boost consumption and we still need to discuss some of the relevant issues. We have requested our plans be launched on Nov. 20,” Chang said, adding that the subsidies would end on Feb. 29.
Based on the Tourism Bureau plans, the government would subsidize 30 percent of the cost of a hotel room with the subsidy capped at NT$1,000. The offer is only available for 115,000 people.
To use the offer, visitors need to log on to the bureau Web site www.Taiwanstay.net to get a serial number and later use the number to book a room at a licensed hotel in Taiwan.
The bureau has 9,855 registered legal operators, including 116 international hotels, 2,974 regular hotels and 5,865 bed and breakfasts.
Visitors to any of the 24 theme parks around the nation would also be subsidized when traveling with another person, the bureau said.
Travelers need to first fill in personal information at the bureau’s Web site www.themepark.net and download a coupon. When visiting the theme park, people can receive a “buy one get one free” offer by presenting the coupon and identification.
The offer is limited to 40,000 people.
The Taiwan Railways Administration said that tourists can buy a three-day or five-day TR Pass if they are traveling with three people between Nov. 20 and Feb. 29.
The DGH is to subsidize passengers traveling on the 10 best highway travel routes it selects if they travel with children between 6 and 12 years of age and elderly people more than 65. The directorate estimated 33,000 passengers would be able to use the offer.
Taiwan High Speed Rail Corp is also offering special discounts for tour packages, including high speed rail tickets and accommodation.
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