Last year, owing to the pandemic the number of Indians flying abroad went up by 137% in comparison to the year before that.
Radical step
However, the number is yet to hit pre-covid levels, so Taiwan has taken a bold approach.
The country is now offering cash incentives and discounts to five lakh tourists.
The new measures were announced by Taiwan’s Premier Chen Chien-jen, who said that Taiwan is planning to attract six million tourists in 2023.
Through a package worth more than $82 million, the Taiwanese government is offering incentives worth $165 to each tourist.
Specifics
If you’re a tour group, it gets even better as you’ll be offered up to $658 per group.
According to Taiwan’s plan, 500,000 individuals and 90,000 tour groups will be eligible.
Potential travelers can enjoy the perks which will be distributed among travelers via discounts, lucky draws and airlines.
Cash handouts will also be provided electronically, or as perks on various purchases.
Transport Minister Wang Kwo-tsai clarified that tourists will receive the money digitally, and they’ll be able to use it for their expenses while vacationing, including paying for their hotel and accommodations.
Travel agencies in the country will be monetarily rewarded for bringing in a specified number of tourists as well.
Tourism big part of economy
This is a big deal for Taiwan since 4% of its GDP arrives from tourism.
This is a valuable sector it is trying to boost as a way towards post-pandemic recovery.
Asides from this, the measures are also aimed at making up for the decline in the country’s exports due to pandemic restrictions.
Seeking recovery in numbers
Last year Taiwan welcomed nine lakh tourists after opening its borders, but has struggled to get tourists from Hong Kong and Macau over geopolitical tensions with China.
Visitors from Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan and the USA were among the largest groups.
In 2019, the island counted 11.8 million international tourists (up 7% from previous years), according to the Taiwan Tourism Bureau.
More details on how to apply for the tourism allowance will be coming soon.
