TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Tourism Bureau announced on Monday that foreign guest stays increased 18.3% in 2024 compared to the previous year, while domestic guest stays fell 6.21% over the same period.
According to the bureau, the total number of hotel guests last year was 78.796 million, a slight decline from 79.833 million in 2023 and below pre-COVID-19 levels of 79.874 million in 2019, per a press release.
The bureau reported 59.868 million domestic hotel stays last year, while foreign tourists accounted for 15.998 million hotel stays. The bureau said the decline in domestic hotel stays is not due to Taiwanese traveling abroad, but the rising popularity of one-day travel excursions.
The bureau said the average room rate for tourist-class hotels and motels last year was NT$2,960 (US$90), roughly the same as the previous year. Average B&B room prices were NT$2,405, a 4.15% decrease from the year prior.
The bureau said 79% (2,700 hotels) of the hotel industry had room rates below the national average, while 21% (726 hotels) had room rates above, indicating that the hotel sector continues to be segmented. The highest average room rate occurred in the first quarter, with hotels charging an average of NT$3,048 and B&Bs NT$2,507.
The hotel room occupancy rate was 50.44% last year, and 24.67% for guesthouses and hostels. The bureau said the total operating revenue of the hotel and lodging industry was NT$178.83 billion last year, which was equivalent to NT$177.987 billion in 2023.
The bureau said international tourism has changed since the pandemic, with many tourists pursuing higher-quality travel and accommodation experiences. To meet these needs, the hotel industry has integrated local characteristics into its services and accommodations to enhance the travel experience.
