Evolution of Tourism Policies Due to Change of Ruling Parties in Taiwan

Abstract

Tourism policy is the blueprint and roadmap for the development of tourism in a country or a region. As policymaking for the tourism industry is set in the context of wider government policies, it is highly relevant to the majority ruling party. In 2000, the long-standing ruling party in Taiwan lost its seats for the first time, which had sweeping impact on the economic, social, and political landscape on the island. This paper examines the tourism policy in Taiwan and analyzes the influence of administration changeover on the development of tourism. It is hoped that the research insight serves as reference to other countries in the formation of tourism policies going forward.  This study adopts qualitative research methods, including: historical research, document analysis, field observation and interviews. The results show that although the evolution of Taiwan's tourism policy has gone through the ruling of different political parties, they regard the development of tourism as one of the important economic policies, and strengthen the construction of scenic spots, the formulation of laws and regulations, as well as the innovation of tourism products, so that the tourism industry can be successfully developed. However, it will be influenced by the political ideas of the political parties, and the selected international tourism target markets are also different.