First post-earthquake cruise ship visits Taiwan's east coast
地震後首艘郵輪抵達台灣東岸
| Officials say visit symbolizes recovering tourism in quake-affected Hualien
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The first international cruise ship to dock in Hualien since last year’s earthquake arrived on Thursday in a boost for local tourism. The luxury cruise ship Scenic Eclipse II arrived in Hualien at around midday carrying 180 tourists who visited Taroko National Park, local temples, and other attractions, per UDN. The ship arrived from Manila and will depart for Keelung Port this evening. Hualien tourism businesses suffered after the earthquake as damaged transport connections and closed tourist spots meant fewer visitors to the area. The central and local governments have provided various subsidies to revive tourism, and Huanlien Port offered free anchorage fees for visiting cruise ships. Hualien Port Harbor Master Lin Ching-fu (林清富) said 14 ships were planned to visit last year, and 10 were cancelled after the earthquake. He said the arrival of the Scenic Eclipse II showed that Hualien’s tourism was recovering. Lin said waiving the fees cost the port around NT$1.21 million (US$36,930). He said nine ships carrying 4,100 passengers are expected this year, and 15 ships with 25,000 passengers are expected next year, equivalent to pre-quake levels. Hualien County Tourism Director Yu Ming-hsun (余明勲) said tourism is recovering, as the local government has worked to attract more domestic and foreign tourists. He said the government is working to bring charter flights from Japan and South Korea to Hualien. |
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| Jono Thomson, Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2025-04-17 |
