2026's Latest Travel Subsidy Is Here! Apply Across Taiwan Starting September 1 – Up to NT$30,000 – Full Details on Eligibility, Methods, and Timeline

To encourage travel agencies to lead tourists in deeper experiences of Hualien, the Hualien County Government has announced the launch of the 'Hualien Domestic Group Tourism 3.0 Winter-Spring Incentive Program', effective from September 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.

Any legally registered travel agency in Taiwan organizing a group of 20 or more people to visit Hualien and stay at a licensed accommodation in Hualien for at least two nights can receive up to NT$25,000 in incentives per group. If, during the period from September to October, the itinerary includes designated Hakka cultural tourism sites, the incentive increases by an additional NT$5,000 per group, bringing the maximum total to NT$30,000!

The Hualien County Government stated that the core objective of this program is to encourage group tourists to extend their stay duration, shifting from superficial sightseeing to in-depth experiences, ensuring that spending truly benefits the local Hualien economy.

Hualien Winter-Spring Group Tourism Incentive 3.0 – Program Period

• Activity Period (Tour Departure): September 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026 (Last departure date: December 30, 2026) • Application Acceptance Period: September 1, 2026, to January 8, 2027

Travel agencies must log in and upload the itinerary and participant list 3–4 days prior to departure. Within 7 calendar days after the tour ends, all remaining application documents must be submitted via the designated application website to complete the application. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Hualien Winter-Spring Group Tourism Incentive 3.0 – Eligibility

Incentive Recipients: Legally established domestic travel agencies in Taiwan handling group tours. Applications must be submitted collectively by the main office (headquarters) of a Taiwan-based travel agency.

Program Details: Between September 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026, travel agencies arranging tours for groups of 20 or more people to Hualien, registered on the official program website, and meeting the following conditions are eligible to apply for incentive funds:

- Basic Incentive (1-night stay): Group of 20+ people, including at least one designated tourism activity. Stay one night at a licensed accommodation in Hualien. Incentive: NT$5,000 per group - Advanced Incentive (2+ nights): Group of 20+ people, including at least one designated tourism activity. Stay two or more nights at a licensed accommodation in Hualien. Incentive: NT$25,000 per group - Autumn Hakka Bonus: Between September 1 and October 31, include designated Hakka cultural tourism sites in the itinerary. Incentive: Additional NT$5,000 per group (Maximum of NT$30,000 with 2-night stay)

How to Plan the Itinerary – Choose One from Six 'Designated Tourism Activities'

According to the Tourism Bureau, the tour itinerary must include at least one of the following 'designated tourism activities' (exact list subject to latest county government announcements):

1. Eco-Label Certified Accommodations 2. Green Restaurants 3. Environmental Education Venues 4. GSTC-Certified Accommodations 5. Designated Tourism Activities and Attractions 6. Agrifood Education Venues

Driving Hakka Communities and Local Industries – Creating Diversified Tourism Value

The Hualien County Tourism Bureau noted that the autumn and winter seasons offer comfortable weather, making it the ideal time to explore the East Rift Valley, experience hot springs, and discover indigenous and Hakka cultures. By lowering the group size requirement (minimum 20 people) and increasing incentives for multi-night stays, the county aims to encourage travel agencies to link Hakka cultural experiences, local industries, specialty cuisine, and surrounding attractions.

Beyond increasing hotel occupancy, extending tourists’ stay durations will further stimulate local industries such as dining, transportation, commercial districts, souvenirs, agricultural products, and local experiential activities, allowing tourism benefits to spread beyond popular attractions into surrounding townships.

Source: Hualien Tourism Information Website