The subtropical climate, beautiful beaches, scenic hikes and thousands of temples are many other reasons to visit.
Taiwan this year offered to pay tourists a little more than 150 euros to boost tourist numbers.
The East Asian country hopes to welcome six million tourists in 2023 and hopes to help win their hearts by stuffing their wallets with NT$5,000 (€158) in pocket money.
The Ministry of Transport is also providing travel agency subsidies of up to NT$20,000 (€633) for each group of tourists arriving in the country.
When announcing the proposal earlier this week, Minister Wang Cai explained that the pocket money for tourists will be delivered digitally and can be used to pay for accommodation and other expenses within the country.
He did not specify when the program would start.but considering the way cost of living crisis is shaking up our travel priorities and it may well tip the balance for some European holidaymakers.
Why does Taiwan spend money to invite tourists to visit?
It’s all part of rebuilding the country’s tourism industry post-pandemic. Taiwan One of the last countries to lift COVID-19 border restrictions in October 2022.
The number of tourists in 2022 will be less than 900,000, according to the Taiwan Tourism Administration. That was a sharp drop from 2019, when easier times brought a record 11.8 million international tourists to Taiwan’s shores.
Prime Minister Chen Jianren said China was trying to get back on track with 10 million tourists by 2025.
Paying tourists to visit sounds like an unusual way to replenish your coffers. But some countries are using incentives to rebalance tourism levels post-pandemic.
HongkongFor example, 500,000 air tickets are being given away to attract more tourists.
Why is Taiwan worth visiting?
The island nation’s goals go far beyond economic incentives.
It’s a small island to know, about half the size of Scotland, so it won’t take long for visitors to shuttle between the vibrant capital of Taipei and its verdant national parks. Especially when there is a high-speed rail line in it.
With its subtropical climate, you can enjoy hot summer nights and beach trips to the fullest. But different seasons have their own appeal.From September to November, Taiwan’s autumn colors are drier, while tourists visiting in February can enjoy the blooming Cherry blossoms.
In addition to Taiwan’s natural beauty, there are approximately 15,000 temples to explore. More and more Michelin stars are awarded to its restaurants.
It is also considered one of the safest places in Asia LGBTQ+ travelbecoming the first country in the region to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019.
What are Taiwan’s travel rules?
Taiwan reopened its borders on October 13, 2022. Tourists no longer need to quarantine in hotels upon arrival.
Everyone, including children two years and older, will receive a self-administered rapid COVID test kit on arrival. However, it is only necessary to take it if symptoms appear during the 7-day “spontaneous epidemic prevention period”.
Masks must be worn outside the residence. Visitors who test positive for COVID-19 will still be required to quarantine in hotels or at home.
