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S. Korea will pay tourists if they get flu
TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Between July and August of this year, Taiwanese tourists that get infected with the H1N1 influenza while traveling in South Korea will each receive NT$100,000, reported local media yesterday.
This is a promotional move made by the Korea National Tourism Organization (KTO) to encourage travel during peak travel season.
According to South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, to market safe travel in the region, KTO will soon be jumpstarting a H1N1 New Strain Influenza Cash Relief Program.
Since the swine flu outbreak, no foreign tourism organization has initiated such a program, noted local media.
Hsiao Yuan-ching, KTO's strategic marketing manager of the Taipei branch, said that there had been an increase in travel in March and April when the currency was more lenient to the Taiwanese tourist. However, the spread of the H1N1 virus in May has since caused many people to cancel their plans.
Korea boasts many large-scale amusement parks as well as scenic areas that are family-friendly, and with the recent favorable exchange rate, KTO is hoping to boost travel by offering travelers peace of mind, added Hsiao.
Beginning July 1, Taiwanese tourists that book round-trip direct flights to South Korea via Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, Eva Airways or TransAsia Airways will be given NT$100,000 compensation should they catch the H1N1 flu during their stay, said Hsiao.
This promotion is not applicable to flights with layovers, however.
In conjunction with local travel agencies, KTO will also provide face masks and hand sanitizers for visitors but advised tourists to maintain adequate personal hygiene while on vacation.
The cash relief program is still in its final stages of negotiation; impending final announcements will be made shortly by KTO.