Kenting Struggles With Historic Decline in Visitor Numbers as Authorities Introduce Comprehensive Plan to Transform Tourism Into Immersive Experiences

Kenting, Taiwan’s iconic southern getaway located on the Hengchun Peninsula, has experienced a dramatic drop in visitors for the second year in a row. In 2025, the area recorded just 2.139 million tourists, a slight decline from 2.14 million in 2024. This marks a sharp contrast to Kenting’s heyday in 2015, when more than 8 million travelers explored the national park. The sustained decline has created serious challenges for local businesses, particularly hotels, resorts, and service providers that rely on a steady flow of domestic and international visitors.

Hotels in Kenting have been among the hardest hit. Only one property maintained an average occupancy rate above 60 percent last year, highlighting the severity of the downturn. Uni-Resort Kenting has permanently closed, while one of the largest hotels in the region, Fullon Hotel Kenting, temporarily shut down for large-scale renovations. The closures have underscored the urgent need to rethink Kenting’s tourism model and restore its appeal to visitors.

Multiple factors are believed to have contributed to the decline. Changing travel preferences among younger audiences, increased competition from international destinations like Japan and Thailand, and negative perceptions fueled by social media trends have all affected Kenting’s image. Many tourists now seek overseas experiences over domestic options, despite Kenting’s reputation for pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant marine ecosystems.

In response, authorities have launched a comprehensive plan aimed at revitalizing Kenting’s tourism sector and enhancing its long-term sustainability. A key component of the strategy is moving away from conventional “check-in-style” tourism toward more immersive, experience-driven travel. Upgrades to infrastructure, including park facilities, parking areas, and service counters, are being implemented alongside initiatives to promote environmentally friendly, low-carbon tourism along the peninsula’s west coast.

The renewed focus on experience-based tourism aims to give visitors deeper engagement with Kenting’s natural and cultural highlights. Smart tourism guides and expanded multilingual services are being introduced to make the region more accessible to international travelers, while improvements in transportation and on-site amenities aim to create smoother, more enjoyable visits. The goal is to encourage longer stays, increase visitor satisfaction, and strengthen Kenting’s reputation as a high-quality, sustainable destination.

Pingtung County tourism authorities emphasize that Kenting’s natural attractions remain a strong draw, from sandy beaches and coral reefs to dense forests and diverse wildlife. Short-term fluctuations in visitor numbers should not overshadow the area’s long-term potential. By combining enhanced infrastructure with sustainable tourism practices, authorities hope to stabilize visitor numbers and elevate Kenting’s profile among travelers at home and abroad.

While Kenting works to recover, other destinations in Taiwan continue to gain international recognition. Taipei and Orchid Island (Lanyu) were recently featured on EverdayGlow’s list of top tourist destinations for 2026. Taipei was highlighted alongside cities such as Seoul and Kyoto for its vibrant combination of culture, history, street food, scenic trails, and music scene.

Orchid Island, home to the Tao (Yami) indigenous community, was praised for its pristine natural scenery and unique cultural experiences, particularly its traditional wooden canoes. It was listed alongside destinations like the Maldives and the Philippines’ Palawan for travelers seeking exceptional island and coastal experiences in Asia. The recognition of these locations underscores Taiwan’s diversity and growing appeal to international tourists.

Authorities hope that Kenting can mirror this success by highlighting its unique offerings, prioritizing environmental sustainability, and enhancing visitor services. With a refreshed brand, upgraded facilities, and a focus on meaningful, immersive experiences, Kenting aims to attract both domestic and international travelers.

By promoting longer stays, environmentally responsible tourism, and rich cultural engagement, Kenting is positioning itself for a tourism revival. If successful, these initiatives could allow the region to recover from recent setbacks and reclaim its place as one of Taiwan’s premier coastal destinations, offering visitors a memorable and transformative travel experience.

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