Taiwan's domestic travel subsidies delayed, likely to launch in September

Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation is planning a series of domestic travel subsidies to stimulate tourism during weekdays. The "Weekday Domestic Travel 5 Major Subsidy Programs" include birthday accommodation discounts and weekday accommodation support, initially targeted for a launch on April 1. However, the initiative faces delays as the relevant budget has not yet been approved by the legislature.

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The domestic travel subsidies are highly anticipated. The original plan was to implement them in January after the budget's approval at the end of last year.

Minister of Transportation Chen Shih-kai stated that the domestic travel subsidies are highly anticipated. The original plan was to implement them in January after the budget's approval at the end of last year. The proposed subsidies aim to encourage travel during off-peak periods, with a special focus on birthday accommodation benefits offering a chance for lucky draws. Chen expressed regret over the ongoing budget review process and pledged to monitor its progress closely.

Chen explained that once the budget is approved, the ministry aims to initiate the programs within one month. If the budget passes in July, the birthday accommodation subsidies could be rolled out in August, with full implementation following in September. If the budget approval extends to August, the launch would be pushed to September. The ministry previously emphasized that the subsidies would target the low season for tourism. Chen reiterated that the timing depends on the budget's passage, noting that July and August are peak summer travel months. He suggested that the birthday accommodation lottery could proceed earlier, depending on the budget's approval, to give citizens a chance to participate as soon as possible.

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If the budget passes in July, the birthday accommodation subsidies could be rolled out in August, with full implementation following in September.

Chen Yu-hsiu, Director-General of the Tourism Administration, added that while the birthday accommodation voucher lottery can be processed in advance, the actual use of subsidies for travel across Taiwan would likely begin in September to avoid the peak season. She indicated that the lottery draw could occur by mid-August, allowing about three weeks to a month for public registration and selection, followed by another half a month for travel planning. All subsidy measures are planned for a September launch, with preliminary work potentially starting in July and August.

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All subsidy measures are planned for a September launch, with preliminary work potentially starting in July and August.