A four-year project aimed at boosting Taiwan’s tourism industry was approved July 13 by the National Development Council, underscoring government efforts to further enhance the global competitiveness of the local sector.
Proposed by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the initiative comprises 18 implementation plans covering green transportation services, smart tourism-related applications, talent training and themed travel packages. In seeking to shift focus from quantity to quality, the plan is viewed as critical in delivering increased profits for operators and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry.
An NDC official said a key component of the project involves establishing a solid brand for Taiwan’s tourism-related sectors and strengthening travel safety. “This will go a long way toward bringing the quality of services more in line with global standards and adding value.”
According to the NDC, Taiwan’s tourism revenues doubled from NT$371.3 billion (US$11.9 billion) in 2008 to NT$742.6 billion last year, accounting for 4.65 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. The number of foreign visitors increased 4.23 percent during the first five months of 2015, with the annual total set to top 10 million for the first time.
Smart tourism promotion is another focus of the initiative, the official said, adding that Taiwan’s cutting-edge information communications technology capabilities are to be fully utilized in developing applications tailored for individual tourists and offering them more pleasant travel experiences.
“Equally important is designing travel packages catering to the special needs of the seniors and those with disabilities, as well as promotion of sustainable tourism showcasing the country’s aboriginal diversity.”
But none of these measures will be possible without greater management of the inbound tourist flow. “Our goal is to see the number of visitors from mainland China and other regions increase annually at a controlled 2.6 percent and 5.8 percent, respectively,” the official said.
“As part of this undertaking, the government will stop raising the ceiling on the quota for mainland Chinese group travelers and target other niches such as business executives, luxury tourists and those seeking cosmetic surgery and treatments.”
If the plan is implemented as envisioned, the NDC expects Taiwan’s tourism revenues to hit NT$830 billion by 2018. (SFC-JSM)
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