Since June 1, the government of Hualien, a county in northeastern Taiwan, has launched a tourism subsidy program to support residents and tourists affected by the 7.4-magnitude earthquake in early April and the hundreds of aftershocks - the strongest measuring 6.3 - that have occurred consecutively since.
Before receiving government subsidies, at least 12 hotels in Hualien confirmed they had closed permanently due to financial exhaustion after the disaster.
Visitors to Hualien are expected to return in large numbers during the Dragon Boat Festival on June 10 (the fifth day of the fifth lunar month). However, according to Zhang Xuanhan, chairman of the local hotel business association, the festival only lasts for three days, so the room occupancy rate, if any, will not bring in significant revenue. In fact, the occupancy rate on the main festival day is 15%, and on the remaining days it is around 4%. Local hotel owners also revealed that the room booking rate from June to August is only around 10%, compared to 65% in the same period in 2023.
The Hualien tourism recovery plan is divided into two phases by the local tourism industry, with a budget of NT$965 million (VND758 billion). Tourists staying in Hualien will receive a room rate subsidy of NT$1,000 (VND785,000) per night on weekdays and NT$500 on weekends and holidays. For tourists traveling in groups, the support can be up to NT$20,000 (VND15 million).
Zhang said that after the subsidies were disbursed, the rate of inquiries increased. However, most people asked about the current situation of scenic spots, not about booking rooms. Their expected arrival time was usually after July.
Zhang added that the low visitor rate in Hualien is due to the recent aftershocks and the lack of convenient transportation. If earthquakes and natural disasters continue, tourists may still be hesitant to visit Hualien.
Qingshui Bridge on Suhua Highway on Provincial Road 9 was damaged in the earthquake. After being repaired by the government, the road was reopened to traffic on May 30. Currently, large vehicles can pass through at a limited speed.
Taiwan's Transportation Minister Li Mengyan said that although aftershocks continued to hit Hualien, the area is now safe in all aspects. Residents and tourists are encouraged to visit.
The Hualien area consists of two parts: Hualien City in the center and Hualien County in the outskirts. Hualien's economy is mainly based on tourism and stone mining due to its mountainous location. Visitors often visit Taroko National Park, the night markets, or Farglory Ocean Park.
According to Taiwan Tourism , Hualien is home to many " world- class" scenic spots. In 1590, when Portuguese sailors passed by the island, they were so captivated by its majestic beauty that they named the land Formosa - the beautiful island. Since then, Hualien's majestic scenery has become representative of Taiwan. Hualien is a tourist destination chosen by 4 million international visitors to Taiwan in 2023.
TH (according to VnExpress)Source
Comment (0)