Taiwan is gearing up for a tourism rebound following the significant earthquake that struck in April, impacting Hualien County and closing Taroko Gorge, a beloved national treasure. The earthquake, the most powerful in 25 years, significantly disrupted travel plans and caused a decline in visitor numbers, particularly during peak tourist season.
To revitalize the tourism sector, Taiwan is unveiling a multi-pronged initiative. This includes special airfare promotions aimed at attracting international tourists, a crucial driver of the nation’s economic recovery. Recognizing the concerns triggered by the earthquake, the Taiwan Tourism Administration is emphasizing the country’s swift recovery. While Hualien County and Taroko Gorge are expected to fully reopen later this year or early 2025, the western side of Taiwan, which remains largely unaffected, continues to welcome visitors.
To further bolster confidence, Taiwan has launched the “Waves of Wonder” branding campaign, highlighting the country’s diverse attractions beyond Hualien. This campaign aims to showcase the country’s unique offerings, including lesser-known gems, and reinforce its position as a premier destination.
The Taiwan Tourism Administration will also host a roadshow in Thailand from September 20-22 at Siam Paragon, seeking to entice Thai travelers with new offerings and rekindle their interest in exploring Taiwan.
Taiwan’s resilience is underscored by its stringent building codes and earthquake preparedness strategies. Despite its location on the same seismic belt as Japan, the country has learned from its past experiences, notably the devastating 1999 Chi Chi earthquake. This has led to the development of innovative systems like the Taipei 101 damper system, which showcases Taiwan’s commitment to safety and preparedness.
The tourism industry was already experiencing a rebound from pandemic-related restrictions, with visitor numbers steadily increasing. However, the earthquake, along with the weak Japanese yen, posed further challenges, attracting travelers to Japan instead. This new initiative is a strategic response to these challenges, designed to rebuild traveler confidence and attract international tourists back to Taiwan.
