The hospitality industry currently faces a labor shortage of over 5,000 workers. Minister of Labor Hong Shen-han noted that the issue of low wages in the hospitality sector is critical in determining whether to open up to foreign labor. Industry players emphasize that the monthly salary at tourist hotels exceeds NT$35,000, and with benefits, it can reach over NT$40,000, a significant increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.

However, Secretary-General of the Taiwan Tourist Hotels Association, Chao Chien-hui, pointed out that the labor shortage this year is more severe than last year, and there are no local Taiwanese workers willing to join the industry. They hope to open doors for foreign interns and overseas students to help alleviate the manpower issues. She mentioned that the number of Indonesian interns has significantly declined this year due to policy adjustments, resulting in a two-thirds reduction in foreign interns.

Chao highlighted that rising electricity prices by nearly 70%, increases in the minimum wage, and higher food costs have left operators with little choice but to sustain their businesses under financial pressure, ultimately impacting room rates and meal prices. Hualien County Hotel Association Chairman Chang Chuan-han emphasized the importance of considering whether local wages exceed those of foreign workers, and that conditions regarding employment standards and average salaries need to be established for the potential employment of foreign workers.