Better Biz In Taiwan Could Spur Occupancy Crunch

<I>Taipai</I> - With further liberalization of the economy and expectations of increased business traveler lift, Taiwan's tight hotel market could precipitate a room crunch.

For example, many business travelers head to Hsinchu Science Park, located about one hour south of Taipei and the center of high-tech manufacturing in Taiwan. Currently, 60 integrated circuit, 36 computer and peripheral equipment, and 25 telecommunications equipment manufacturers are headquartered there.

While the park has been successful enough to expand into the adjacent county, hotel facilities are still lacking, and business travelers are forced to commute from Taipei.

While demand for hotel rooms in Taipei remains high, the newest deluxe hotel, the Far Eastern Plaza Hotel--managed by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts--opened three years ago in the Taipei Metro Complex. The city's first multi-purpose designed complex, Taipei Metro is home to several international companies that have branch offices.

The 422-room property provides a business center with two private offices and a boardroom, personal computers, portable telephones and pagers available for use. Meeting facilities include a grand ballroom, accommodating up to 400 people and four smaller meeting rooms.

The only new hotel planned in the city is Sherwood Hotels, which will open a 64-room boutique property, Le Petit Sherwood, in central southeastern Taipei by year-end. "We'll be targeting business travel executives, especially those attending shows at the World Trade Center," said spokesperson Gloria Chen. The hotel will include a business center with a small conference room, one restaurant and a health club.