Taiwan's Tourism Faces Headwinds: A Veteran Travel Agency Shuts Down

Fifty-Year-Old Agency, Ascending Han Travel, Cites Slow Recovery of Japanese Tourists and Cross-Strait Uncertainty as Key Factors

Taiwan's tourism sector is navigating a challenging post-pandemic landscape. Despite the reopening of borders, the gap between inbound and outbound tourism has widened. Last year, the tourism deficit ballooned to USD 22 billion (approximately NTD 70.4 billion).

Recently, Sheng Han Travel (昇漢旅行社), a long-standing travel agency specializing in welcoming international tourists to Taiwan, announced its closure. The agency, known for catering to the inbound market, cited the slow recovery of the Japanese tourism market and the uncertain cross-strait relations as major contributing factors, with operations ceasing at the end of April and closure procedures beginning in June.

Ko Mu-chou (柯牧洲), the head of Sheng Han Travel, confirmed the decision, noting that after 50 years of operation, it was a difficult one. He acknowledged initial reluctance but ultimately chose to withdraw due to the adverse conditions affecting Taiwan's tourism environment.