The Taiwanese government will provide vouchers worth NT$5,000 (RM723) to inbound tourists starting May 1. Incentives will be given to individual travelers, while travel agencies can provide subsidies worth NT$10,000 to NT$20,000 for groups visiting Taiwan.
The plan is part of the government’s NT$5.3 billion plan to attract about 6 million overseas tourists this year. They hope it will help the tourism industry and the recovery of the economy affected by the epidemic. The incentive also encourages local spending in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions.
Taiwan Travel: Everything About Vouchers
Proposed spending plan is entirely in Taiwan Reopening to Hong Kong and Macau touristsThe plan has been in the works for some time, officials said, but it will take some time to implement the plan.
Travelers who enter Taiwan with a foreign passport and stay there for a minimum of three days and a maximum of 90 days are eligible for the program. Half of the 500,000 coupons will be issued this year, with the entire scheme running until 2025. Visitors must register online in advance on the designated website, which will go live on May 1.
These vouchers will be won through a lucky draw upon arrival at one of Taiwan’s four airports. They are Taoyuan International Airport, Songshan International Airport, Taichung International Airport and Kaohsiung International Airport. Winners can collect their prizes at the airport counter or the tourist bureau office with their supporting documents.
The winner can choose between two options
The lucky winner will be able to choose how to use the gift certificate, including accommodation or stored value payment cards such as iPass or EasyCard. Those who choose the latter can only pay vendors who accept cards. The limit for each payment is NT$1,500, and the daily spending limit is NT$3,000. At the same time, those who like to stay will receive five gift certificates worth NT$1,000.
Vouchers are for winners only and may not be sold to others. If the cost of the stay is less than the value of the voucher, the hotel will also not be able to refund any difference. 1,500,000 vouchers will be issued next year and 100,000 people will claim them by 2025.
Hong Kongers showed excitement when Taiwan reopened its borders in February. While there is high demand for obtaining visas on arrival online, many opt for visas on arrival. Taiwan has also lifted social distancing measures and eased indoor mask rules as the pandemic stabilized.
Want to travel to Taiwan?
(Featured and hero image credit: Thomas Tseng/Unsplash)
