台湾旅游业疲软 业者盼加强两岸旅游交流

Core Viewpoint - Taiwan's tourism industry is experiencing significant downturns, with calls from industry players for increased cross-strait tourism exchanges to revitalize the sector [1][2][3]. Group 1: Current Situation of Tourism - Tourist numbers in Taiwan have drastically decreased, with Hualien's accommodation rates dropping to below 30% during the summer peak season [1]. - The number of visitors to popular tourist spots like Kenting has also sharply declined, leading to some businesses, such as go-kart operations, facing closure due to lack of customers [2]. - The Taiwanese authorities have revised their forecast for inbound tourists to 9 million, failing to meet the previous target of 10 million for two consecutive years [2]. Group 2: Economic Impact - The reduction in mainland Chinese tourists has severely impacted Taiwan's tourism revenue, with an estimated loss of NT$102 billion (approximately US$3.4 billion) attributed to the decline in mainland visitors [3]. - The average spending per mainland tourist is estimated at NT$51,000, indicating a substantial economic contribution that is now missing from the tourism sector [3]. - The overall foreign exchange income from tourism is projected to be NT$322.1 billion for 2024, with the loss from mainland tourists accounting for 31% of this total [3]. Group 3: Industry Perspectives - Industry experts emphasize that the absence of mainland tourists has a cascading effect, reducing the attractiveness of Taiwan for other international visitors [3]. - There is a consensus among tourism professionals that enhancing cross-strait tourism exchanges would positively impact both the tourism industry and the broader economy [3]. - Recent commentary in Taiwanese media suggests that the government should heed public sentiment and facilitate the reopening of group tours from mainland China to rejuvenate the tourism market [3].