Travel subsidies to Hualien extended until December

• By Sam Garcia/CNA Staff Writer

Travelers to Hualien County can receive up to NT$2,500 ($79) in accommodation subsidies for both this month and next month, the Tourism Administration said today after extending the promotion until Dec. 20.

Transport and Communications Minister Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) made the announcement while reporting to the Legislative Yuan Transport Committee on improving tourism.

Photo: Wang Ching-yi, Taipei Times

Hualien’s tourism subsidies have been increased, with monthly accommodation allowances of NT$1,000 for the first night and NT$1,500 for the second night from Thursday to Dec. 20, he said.

Travelers can receive subsidies both this month and next month, totaling NT$5,000, he added.

Hualien spent more than half of its NT$815 million budget on accommodation subsidies, according to the Tourism Bureau.

Last month, the minimum stay for tourist groups to receive subsidies was reduced from seven days and six nights to five days and four nights, the ministry said.

Foreign tour groups of four or more people living in Hualien or Taitung counties can receive subsidies of up to NT$50,000, it added.

This month, the Tourism Authority also launched its first partnership with city and county governments to promote “Taiwan’s 100 Tourist Attractions,” in which it will hold monthly events in each municipality until October next year, along with six major marketing events.