To encourage accommodation providers, including tourist hotels, regular hotels, and B&B providers, to enhance service quality, implement accessible and inclusive facilities, adopt sustainable environmental management systems, and offer smart service spaces, Taiwan Tourism Administration under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications has introduced the “Guidelines for Subsidies to Enhance the Quality of Accommodation Services”.
A key component of this subsidy program focuses on sustainability certifications. Eligible hotels can apply for reimbursement of up to 80% of certification fees for obtaining domestic or international certifications in sustainability, energy efficiency, carbon reduction, or green practices. The subsidy is capped at NT$100,000 per applicant and is offered as a one-time benefit, providing valuable financial support to encourage sustainable practices in Taiwan’s accommodation sector.
Businesses certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body, meeting all the GSTC Criteria (or a GSTC-Recognized Standard), have the highest level of assurance* and credibility available. With an accredited certification, customers and buyers are assured that the business was certified in a credibly verified procedure in a transparent, impartial, and competent manner.
By achieving GSTC certification**, hotels/ accommodations in Taiwan can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices and benefit from the incentives offered by the government.
Hotels that follow sustainability standards that wish to stand out with reputable certification as a sustainable hotel, should seek Sustainable Hotel Certification by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.
Notes:
- Accommodation providers must hold a valid business license or registration to be eligible for subsidies under these guidelines.
- Applications must be submitted to the Taiwan Tourism Administration by December 15 of the same year the certification is obtained, along with completed reimbursement documents sent by mail. For certifications obtained between December 16 and December 31 of the same year, applicants may still request subsidies by including detailed progress reports with timelines and supporting documentation.
- For further details on program specifics and application requirements, please refer to the official websites and announcements from Taiwan Tourism Administration.
*Note of General assurance levels:
3rd-party certification by an Accredited Certification Body (impartiality is certain)
3rd-party verification (impartiality is not certain)
2nd-party verification (not impartial)
1st-party self-assessment
No verification at all
**We use the term “GSTC-Certified” as shorthand for “Certified by a Certification Body that is GSTC-Accredited”
