[Coyett]

Construction of Penghu hotel begins
07/17/2007 (Taiwan News)

Ground was broken on Monday on the first build-operate-transfer project for the construction of a five-star international hotel on the outlying island county of Penghu, a major step forward in the development of the county's tourism industry.
The project, which includes an NT$3 billion investment by the Proton Group, is scheduled to be completed in three years. The contract authorizes the group to run the hotel for 35 years after which there is an option for a 10-year extension before the facility is handed over to the county government.

Speaking at the project's ground-breaking ceremony, Penghu County Magistrate Wang Chien-fa thanked Proton Group Board Chairman Shih Lien-an for investing in Penghu.

Wang emphasized his administration's efforts to promote various industries, including tourism, which are aimed at revitalizing Penghu's economy.

He said that the county government and local residents consider environmental protection and marine resource preservation as important factors in the development of the area's tourism sector. Penghu is already known for its clean, white beaches, crystal clear waters, and delicious seafood, he said.

The protection of the county's natural beauty is likely to attract more tourists to world-class attractions such as its basalt columns, Wang said, adding that his administration had also earmarked some other sites on the island as ideal for the building of more world-class hotels.

Of course, he added, Penghu also welcomes investments in other areas of businesses related to Penghu's potential status as a passenger and cargo transportation hub across the Taiwan Strait.

Japan's Interchange Association Kaohsiung Office Director Hiromichi Kambe called on Wang on June 7 to exchange views regarding the county's tourism development and its "mini three links," which allow Penghu residents to travel to China's Fujian Province via direct ferry routes through the Taiwan-held outlying islands of Kinmen and Matsu.

Kambe suggested that in addition to five-star hotels, the county government could consider building venues that would provide comfortable long-stay accomodations at a low cost to backpackers. He also promised to help promote Penghu tourism.

Vice governor of the Fujian Province in China, Wang Meixiang, who is in charge of tourism and foreign affairs, had made a similar suggestion during her visit to Penghu County via the "three direct mini-links," when she led a delegation of more than 100 Fujian officials in April, Wang said.

In addition to Wang and Shih, other dignitaries who attended the delegation were County Council Speaker Chen Chao-ling, Magong City Mayor Su Kun-hsiung (蘇崑雄), Huhsi Township Mayor Chen Chen-chung, county councilors and county government department directors.