As a bed and breakfast owner in Taiwan’s Hualien County, Chen Rei-jia recalls the terrifying experience of surviving the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan on April 3. The earthquake, the largest tremblor to rock the island in 25 years, left residents like Chen in shock. With buildings collapsing, landslides occurring, and dust and smoke filling the air, the aftermath of the earthquake left the community in a state of chaos and fear.
The Impact on Tourism
With Hualien relying on tourism for 70% of its economy, the earthquake dealt a devastating blow to the region’s tourism industry. Tourists canceled their trips en masse, and tour groups disappeared, leaving businesses struggling to survive. The iconic Taroko Gorge, a major tourist attraction in the area, saw vast swaths of its national park closed off due to damage, further deterring visitors.
Local businesses, particularly tour guides and restaurants near Taroko Gorge, faced a significant decline in customers following the earthquake. Tour guides like Liang Shiun-chu saw all their bookings canceled, while restaurant owners like Lai experienced empty dining rooms where once there were bustling crowds. The decrease in visitors led to a sharp decline in revenue, forcing many businesses to consider alternative sources of income.
To support local businesses and encourage tourism, Taiwan’s local and national governments have introduced various programs. These initiatives include guaranteeing loans, subsidizing interest rates, and providing accommodation subsidies for visitors. Despite these efforts, the road to recovery remains long and uncertain, with estimates suggesting it could take years for tourism levels to return to normal.
While efforts are being made to restore confidence in Hualien as a safe tourist destination, challenges persist. The damage caused by the earthquake, coupled with ongoing aftershocks and transportation disruptions, continue to hinder the region’s recovery. The loss of revenue from tourism has had a ripple effect on the local economy, impacting markets, vendors, and residents who rely on tourism for their livelihood.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the challenges faced by the tourism industry in Hualien, residents remain optimistic about the future. While businesses struggle to stay afloat, there is a sense of resilience among the community. As Lai Sui-er, a restaurant owner at the entrance to Taroko Gorge, expressed, there is hope for the future. Even in the face of adversity, the people of Hualien are determined to rebuild, recover, and welcome tourists back to their beloved region.