Taiwan Faces 3% To 5% Price Increases In Domestic Tours For Early 2026 As Rising Costs For Accommodation And Transportation Challenge Local Travel Plans

Published on November 22, 2025

Taiwan is expected to have a 3% to 5% increase in domestic travel by 2026 due to the increase in the expenses of lodging and transport. Every travel industry is being impacted by the increase in operational expenses. This makes it harder for travel companies to keep packages at a low cost. Thus both foreign and local people that are planning to visit Taiwan will have to pay higher travel expenses. This will impact their travel cost in total and possibly the places they intend to visit in Taiwan.

Taiwan’s domestic tourism industry is gearing up for a shift in pricing in the first quarter of 2026, as the Travel Quality Assurance Association has recently released its recommended pricing adjustments. This increase, ranging from 3% to 5%, marks a significant change compared to the same period in 2025. The rise in pricing is attributed to several factors, including higher accommodation and transportation costs, along with rising labor expenses.

As Taiwan enters the first quarter of 2026, which includes two major travel peaks—the winter break and Lunar New Year—tourists are expected to experience a bump in domestic travel prices. These long holidays traditionally generate high demand, pushing costs closer to peak-season levels.

While weekday prices for one-day tours are anticipated to remain largely stable, mid- to high-end two- or three-day tours may see slight price increases. These adjustments are likely to reflect the growing costs of providing quality services, including accommodation and transportation, which have been impacted by inflation and rising operational costs across the travel industry.

Shift in Domestic Travel Behavior

The Taiwanese domestic tourism market has faced various challenges in recent years, as more travelers opt for international trips instead of staying within the island. Data from Taiwan’s Tourism Administration indicates that, from January to September of the previous year, outbound travelers surpassed inbound visitors by more than 8 million, widening the gap in the country’s tourism deficit. This growing trend of international travel has raised concerns about the competitiveness of Taiwan’s domestic tourism offerings.

Several factors have contributed to the shift in preferences. Taiwanese travelers increasingly choose international destinations, where diverse cultural experiences and more competitive pricing often seem more attractive. Additionally, domestic travel has been facing challenges such as the high cost of accommodations and a concentration of visitors on weekends, creating overcrowding in popular tourist areas. Many travelers also prefer day trips over longer stays, which has led to a lack of consistent demand throughout the week.

Adapting to New Travel Patterns

In response to the changing landscape of domestic tourism, experts believe that Taiwan’s tourism sector must evolve to meet the needs of modern travelers. The shift from extended trips to short, flexible stays has highlighted the importance of one- to three-day tours that require less logistical planning and are generally considered lower-risk options. Domestic trips, unlike long international journeys, offer the advantage of shorter travel times, reduced complexities, and more affordable prices, making them a more convenient choice for spontaneous getaways.

The Tourism Administration has also observed that while many Taiwanese travelers are opting for outbound travel, domestic tourism remains an essential part of the overall travel landscape. By positioning domestic tourism as complementary to international travel, the industry can create a balanced approach that offers both locals and international visitors appealing options.

Encouraging More Weekday and Off-Peak Travel

One of the most pressing concerns for Taiwan’s tourism sector is the concentration of travel activity on weekends. This has created overcrowding in popular attractions, making weekday travel a more attractive option for those looking for a quieter experience. The tourism authorities have emphasized the importance of spreading travel demand more evenly across the calendar, encouraging tourists to consider weekday tours, which tend to be less crowded and more affordable.

Moreover, the domestic tourism industry is looking at ways to better compete with international destinations by offering unique experiences that cater to the evolving preferences of travelers. With the rising demand for short, convenient trips, local tour operators may focus on providing tours that blend cultural exploration with relaxation, offering flexible itineraries that appeal to busy locals.

Taiwan is facing 3% to 5% price increases in domestic tours by early 2026 due to rising accommodation and transportation costs, posing challenges for local travel plans and budgets.

As Taiwan’s domestic tourism sector navigates new challenges, the combination of price increases, evolving travel patterns, and a changing economic landscape signals a shift in how local residents engage with their country’s attractions. With a focus on flexibility, affordability, and less crowded experiences, Taiwan’s domestic tourism industry is well-positioned to cater to travelers looking for short getaways. As the industry adapts to these changing trends, both domestic and international tourism can continue to thrive in Taiwan, offering a diverse range of experiences to meet the needs of all types of travelers.