TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The owner of a bed and breakfast (B&B) was fined NT$500,000 (US$15,000) on Tuesday (June 18) by the Taitung County Government for secretly filming a female guest.
The owner of the Bonito Inn on Zhongxing Road surnamed Chen (陳) announced its closure over the weekend after a female tourist who recently stayed there found a concealed camera. The Taitung County Government also revoked Chen's business license effective immediately, reported CNA.
County Magistrate Jao Ching-ling (饒慶鈴) said tourism is a vital industry for Taitung and Chen's actions not only infringed on the rights of tourists but also severely damaged the country's image among tourists. Jao said the decision was made to impose the heaviest penalties and immediately launch a county-wide inspection of all lodging establishments.
Taitung's Transportation and Development Department Act said that Chen's actions were a violation of Article 53 of the Act for the Development of Tourism (發展觀光條例).
The department emphasized it will improve supervision and enforcement, appointing a special inspection team to ensure similar incidents do not occur. It also called on all businesses and individuals engaged in the lodging industry to fulfill their legal obligations to protect customer privacy, adhere to industry standards, and safeguard public interests and social order.
On Tuesday morning, Wu I-wen (吳怡雯), head of the department's tourism management section, led a team to post a notice at the entrance of the Bonito Inn. Wu said Chen has still not been contacted and requested the police to provide relevant information.
Wu said the facts in the case were verified based on Chen's apology letter posted on the B&B's Facebook page. Considering the impact of this incident on tourism, especially with the summer holiday approaching, Wu said the strictest penalties were applied.
Members of the Taitung Homestay Association also came to support the county government's enforcement of penalties. Association President Lin Pao-chuan (林寶泉) expressed concern that this incident could damage customer confidence in the safety of Taitung's B&B industry.
He assured the public that B&B operators would enhance self-regulation and cooperate with the county government in promoting safety checks.
Lin said the current booking rate for the peak season in July is less than 10% compared to last year. If the voyeurism incident is not immediately addressed, it could have long-term detrimental effects on Taitung's lodging industry, warned Lin.
