Hualien County
April 2024 M7.2 earthquake devastated 70% tourism economy; visitation -54.29% YoY, 90% overseas drop. Taroko Gorge needs 5-10 years recovery. By 2026, partial reopening and diversification test post-disaster economic reinvention.
Taiwan's east coast paradise became its most vulnerable economy when the April 3, 2024 earthquake (M7.2, largest in 25 years) struck. Tourism accounts for 70% of Hualien's economy and 40% of employment. The quake killed 18, injured 1,100, and inflicted NT$5.3B ($166M) in tourism damage. Hotel bookings collapsed below 10%; 31 accommodations closed or sold by year's end.
Taroko Gorge—the primary attraction—suffered catastrophic damage. The Swallow Grotto and Shakadang trails require 7 years for restoration; full park recovery may take 5-10 years. Overseas tourist visits dropped 90% because "most of them come for Taroko." Overall 2024 visitation fell 54.29% YoY, the largest decline in a decade.
Government response included NT$20B in business loans and NT$1,000/person accommodation subsidies. But geographic isolation compounds recovery challenges—damaged transportation infrastructure between east and north coasts deterred visitors to the entire region, including Taitung (balloon festival attendance -28%).
2026 trajectory: Partial Taroko reopening proceeds section by section. Diversification beyond Taroko (indigenous culture, marine tourism, agricultural experiences) becomes survival strategy. The county tests whether tourism monoculture can recover from geological shock or whether economic reinvention is necessary.