The Hualien County Government has launched an autumn-winter group travel incentive scheme, welcome news for travel operators and travellers looking to explore Hualien in depth.

• From 1 September, groups of 20 or more people that stay at licensed accommodation in Hualien for two nights or more can receive an incentive of NT$25,000 per group.
• Groups staying just one night can also apply for NT$5,000, provided their itinerary includes eco-friendly or local-experience activities designated by the county government.
• Between September and October, itineraries that also incorporate designated Hakka tourism sites will receive an additional NT$5,000 per group, for a total of up to NT$30,000.
• The aim is to draw visitor crowds away from popular attractions and into Hakka villages and surrounding townships, boosting spending on accommodation, dining, transport, and agricultural specialty products.
• The scheme lowers the threshold for forming a group and increases the incentive for multi-night stays, encouraging travellers to "stay one more night and visit one more township."

Outlook: The incentive scheme will run until 31 December, and over the autumn-winter period it is expected to attract more group travellers to venture into Hualien's various townships.