Keelung City Government Launches NT$200 Voucher Program for Cruise Crew to Boost Local Tourism and Economy
On April 13, 2026, the Keelung City Government initiated a program distributing NT$200 cash vouchers to over 1,200 cruise ship crew members. The initiative, running until September 30, 2026, aims to encourage local spending at "Cruise-Friendly Stores" and promote Keelung's tourism globally through crew experiences. Participating ships include Explorer Dream, MSC Splendida, and Diamond Princess, which use Keelung Port as their homeport. Additionally, a new NT$500 double-decker sightseeing bus service with unlimited rides launched on the same day, offering discounts for cruise passengers.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 13, 2026 at 19:46
- 🔍 Collected: April 13, 2026 at 20:01 (15 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 13, 2026 at 21:20 (1h 18m after Collected)
The Keelung City Government launched a program on April 13, 2026, to distribute NT$200 cash vouchers to cruise ship crew members. The program targets over 1,200 crew members from ships like Explorer Dream, MSC Splendida, and Diamond Princess, which are homeported in Keelung Port. The vouchers are valid until September 30, 2026, and can be used at designated "Cruise-Friendly Stores" to stimulate local consumption. Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang stated the initiative aims to leverage crew members' experiences to promote Keelung's tourism worldwide. Star Cruises, which operates over 110 voyages to Keelung annually, noted that its Explorer Dream ship carries approximately 1,200 crew members per voyage, who frequently visit local spots like Miaokou Night Market. The city also launched a new double-decker sightseeing bus service on April 13, 2026, priced at NT$500 for unlimited rides, with special discounts for cruise passengers. The city plans to expand the voucher program if successful and acquire more double-decker buses.