Renovation program helps reinvent aging Taipei hotels

2017/02/16

Taipei hotels participating in a city government-initiated refurbishment and marketing assistance project have recorded sustainable business growth since the launch of the program last year, according to the municipality’s Department of Information and Tourism Feb. 13.

Open to hotels built 15 or more years ago, the initiative assisted establishments in upgrading their facilities and services by offering expert consultations and financial support. More than 60 hotel companies expressed interest in the program, with six selected for inclusion following evaluations of their development potential, operating conditions and renovation proposals.

“Connecting to international reservation platforms, establishing official websites and launching digital marketing campaigns are the most direct and effective ways of communicating with customers,” DOIT Commissioner Chien Yu-yen said. “In addition, the formulation of standard operating procedures for customer, dining and room services as well as crisis management can boost overall satisfaction ratings.”

The DOIT commissioned the Taipei Hotel Association to serve as a one-stop support center for the selected establishments. Through on-site instruction and training courses, industry professionals at THA helped the companies register with reservation websites such as Agoda and Booking.com, create new interior design and renovation plans, formulate marketing strategies, improve room service quality and promote energy conservation.
 
Since joining the DOIT initiative, Empire Hotel, located in northern Taipei’s famed Beitou hot spring area, has seen its average occupancy rate surge 40 percent. Likewise, Atami Hotel Taipei Onsen, also in Beitou, registered a 35 percent rise in its average room rate as well as occupancy growth of 15 percent following the completion of refurbishments.
 
The Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications categorizes hotels in Taiwan as either tourist or regular establishments. To receive the coveted tourist hotel title, businesses must meet requirements concerning the size and number of rooms, offer facilities including conference venues, gyms and restaurants, and pass regular inspections.
 
There are around 550 hotels, including 44 tourist establishments, in Taipei. Last year, the city’s tourist hotels recorded an average occupancy rate of 72.33 percent and an average room rate of NT$4,524 (US$146), according to tallies compiled by the Tourism Bureau.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=6&post=111428)