The Tourism Bureau said it will crack down on illegal holiday apartment rentals once the Regulations for the Administration of Hotel Enterprises (旅館業管理規則) are amended, adding the change could take effect as soon as June.
Hoteliers must include hotel registration numbers in their advertisements once the amendment comes into effect, or face fines of between NT$10,000 to NT$50,000 (US$308 and US$1,540).
According to the bureau, the new policy would allow tourists booking accommodation online know if they are making a reservation at a legal hotel. Though tourists might find accommodation information on Web sites provided by hoteliers, they might find it hard to find the legal status of the accommodation, the bureau said.
The amendment would also authorize local governments to stipulate if the hotel requires a lobby or an area to greet guests. This change has been introduced because of the rise in youth hostels where such facilities might not be necessary.
In addition, hoteliers can decide whether to install air-conditioning or ventilation systems based on the interior design and the safety of the building.
Hoteliers can also choose which items to include in rooms and shower rooms using the same regulations, the bureau said.
Bureau statistics showed 1,015 cases were recorded between 2012 and last year involving illegal holiday apartments, with more than NT$127 million in fines issued.
The nation has 3,000 regular hotels and 6,000 bed-and-breakfasts.
The hotel registration number advertising policy would apply to advertisements published in print, on the Internet, via electronic signals or on radio or television.
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