Taiwan Revises Tourism Targets Amid Cross-Strait Travel Challenges

Taiwan grapples with tourism recalibration amid cross-strait travel complexities, as Tourism Administration Director-General Chou Yung-hui voices concerns over a projected 2 million deficit in foreign visitor arrivals this year. With China's ban on group tourist visits to Taiwan persisting, targets may need downward adjustment to 10 million, delaying full recovery to pre-COVID levels until 2025.Taiwan's call for "goodwill" gestures from China in both tourism and politics hints at a potential reconsideration of its ban on tour groups to China, initially slated for lifting in June. Despite setbacks, Taiwan showcases a remarkable tourism rebound, recording nearly 1.9 million visitors as of March 15, primarily from Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macau.Chou unveils plans to expand the Taiwan Pass, catering not only to foreign but also local tourists, offering unlimited travel on high-speed rail, metro lines, and tour bus services, with cruise liner services to be included. Scheduled for launch on June 1, the pass aims to stimulate domestic tourism and enhance travel accessibility within Taiwan.