Taiwan’s New Plan to Attract Tourists

Taiwan wants to increase its tourism numbers and will give cash incentives to visitors to encourage them to visit.

CNN reported that the island will give out NT $5,000 (or approximately $166) to 500,000 tourists, along with up to NT $25,000 (or roughly $667) for 90,000 tour groups. According to CNN, the money can be used for expenses in Taiwan such as food and accommodation.

Travelers who are looking to book a vacation may need to wait as it is not yet clear when or how to apply.

"The money will be given out through multiple tourism promotion events this year, rather than giving it all out at once," Tourism Bureau Director-General Chang Shi-chung said, according to the Taipei Times. "As such, not all international tourists would receive it."

CNN reported that the new incentive program is being launched as part of a government plan to attract six million tourists in 2023, and then 10,000,000 tourists by 2025.

Wang Kuo-tsai, Transport Minister, stated that the island plans to use the incentive for visitors from key markets such as Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia.

According to the American Institute of Taiwan, Taiwan allows travelers from all countries to visit Taiwan without having to be tested for COVID-19. In October, the country dropped quarantine regulations and relaxed mask rules for December.

Taiwan isn’t the only destination that pays tourists to travel. In 2021, Malta created a program to pay tourists to stay at hotels there. Last year, an area in Italy's northeastern corner decided to cover train fare for travelers in an effort promote sustainable travel.

However, many destinations, including Europe, Thailand and Venice, have plans to collect tourist fees.

Source: travelandleisure.com