Hualien: Hualien County launched a new incentive program on Saturday to attract more foreign tourists, offering travel agencies up to NT$4,000 (US$127) per person for organizing group tours for foreign nationals to the eastern Taiwan county.

According to Focus Taiwan, the program will run through November 30, 2025, allowing travel agencies to apply for cash rewards if they bring tour groups of at least 12 foreign visitors to Hualien. The incentives are structured based on the length of stay, offering NT$2,000 per person for two nights, NT$3,000 per person for three nights, and NT$4,000 per person for four nights.

To qualify for the program, tours must also include at least one designated "eco-friendly activity." This could involve staying at a certified green hotel, dining at an eco-friendly restaurant, or visiting an environmental education site like Liyu Lake or the Chihnan Nature Center.

Hualien tourism chief Yu Ming-hsun stated that the initiative was designed to align with the global trend of sustainable tourism. It aims to encourage visitors to experience Hualien while promoting low-carbon and eco-friendly travel.