Update (2 May 2023): The Taiwanese government announced specific details of the giveaway on May 1. Read here for more details about how to enter the NT$5,000 lucky draw.
Solo tourists travelling to Taiwan can receive NT$5,000 (around HK$1,250) starting from May 1 as part of the government’s bid to attract more visitors.
In a press conference on March 27, Taiwan’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications announced there will be 500,000 vouchers available, which can be used toward accommodation, food, and shopping.
The scheme for incentivising individual travellers is part of Taiwan’s plan to boost local and incoming tourism after reopening its borders in October. Just 900,000 international tourists entered in 2022 compared to 11.8 million in 2019, so the country has set a goal of hosting six million travellers in 2023.
Who is eligible for the NT$5,000 vouchers?
Individual tourists from any country flying to four airports are eligible: Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei Songshan Airport, Kaohsiung International Airport, and Taichung International Airport.
Arrivals on cruise ships and travellers who are part of group tours are not included in the program. (Overseas and local travel agencies organising tour groups at least two nights long can receive up to NT$50,000 [around HK$12,800], however.)
How to receive the NT$5,000 vouchers?
Starting from May 1, 2023, before departure, overseas tourists can enter a lucky draw to win NT$5,000 of spending money upon entry to Taiwan.
These will come in the form of digital vouchers or discounts on hotels.
The details of the lucky draw, as well as specific mediums through which the vouchers can be used (i.e. Taiwan public transport card called iPass, EasyCard, etc.) were announced on May 1.
Other tourist incentives
Besides the shopping vouchers, overseas visitors will also be able to enjoy 50% off public transportation and buy-one-get-one-free tickets on sightseeing buses.
In related news, Hong Kong is also attempting to draw tourists back after the pandemic through incentives like free airplane tickets for visitors from mainland China and East Asia, as well as discounted train tickets. Although tourist numbers improved in March, figures still fell 70% short of those pre-pandemic.
Header image credits: sonice960 via Pixabay
