Although the collapse of the six-floor Jinshui Hotel in Jhihben township, Taitung was viewed around the world during Typhoon Morakot, officials say most tourist facilities in the area were not badly damaged. Most hot springs resorts are back in operation.

In an effort to accelerate the recovery of tourism in eastern Taiwan's typhoon-devastated Taitung, the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration has decided to offer tourist subsidies for cycle tours in the area, the Tourism Bureau said yesterday.

"The flood disaster after Typhoon Morakot did not cause too much damage in Taitung's scenic areas," said Yang Wen-ta, president of the Taitung Tourism Association.

To promote tourism in the area, the bureau, in cooperation with two local travel agencies, has been promoting cycle ecotourism packages, including bicycle holidays on outlying Green Island, as well as offering subsidies of NT$500 ($15) per tourist until November 30.

China Daily/CNA

(HK Edition 08/27/2009 page2)