Reported 7 months ago
Following a significant drop in Hualien's tourism due to the earthquake, despite the central government's subsidy for FIT and group tourists, the room reservation rate for Hualien this summer is only 15%, dropping to just 10% during the Dragon Boat Festival. Concerned that some operators may be forced to close if visitors do not return, Minister of Transportation Lee Meng-yan stated that the decision to increase accommodation subsidies in Hualien will be evaluated on a rolling basis depending on room reservation rates. The Tourism Bureau Director-General Chou Yung-hui mentioned that applications for subsidies are monitored bi-weekly, with current indications showing lower-than-expected results and a need to track FITs. Both officials emphasized the need to wait and see while hoping for the success of the revitalization plan and encouraging more visitors to Hualien.
Source: YAHOO