With the regional economy in something if a rut,
people all over East Asia are saving whenever they can,
and many are forgoing vacations overseas. To combat this trend,
the Tourism Bureau is increasing the value of what overseas tourists get
when they come here by paying for cultural entertainment like dragon dances and giving away souvenirs.
Schools that house student exchange programs are also subsidized so the visiting students get to experience more than they've paid for.

Enjoying the show and and the food,
these Japanese tourists appear to be having a good time.
Perhaps because part of what they're getting is paid for by the Tourism Bureau.

"Int'l Tour Operation President
For example, groups of less than 50 get a special welcome by the Tourism Bureau at the airport,
and groups over 75 get shows valued at NT$20,000 to NT$40,000."

And these students from Okinawa,
they're also benefiting too,
because schools that host exchange students from Japan are subsidized.

Tam-Shui Vocational HS Principal
Lin Kung-huang
Each student is subsidized NT$500,
so we can bring them to more places and show them more things about Taiwan.

By subsidizing and adding value to itineraries,
the Tourism Bureau hopes to beat the curve, and keep them coming.