The city launched its All-Gender Accommodation Certification Program in 2023 to help hotels, hostels, and bed-and-breakfast operators enhance their services and facilities for travelers with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. Sixty lodging businesses have received certification so far. The program also received an Executive Yuan Gender Equality Innovation Award, the bureau said.

Tourism Bureau Director Kao Min-lin (高閔琳) said that East Kaohsiung has a rich ecology, diverse cultures, and local craft traditions, and called on visitors to use the summer to explore the area at a slower pace.

The bridge had been expected to open by the end of June. The bureau said rain from the outer bands of Typhoon Mekkhala (米克拉) delayed some important work at the site. Officials said the bridge is now expected to be fully open to traffic by mid-July if work proceeds smoothly, adding that safety and construction quality would take priority.

The 2026 Pingtung Summer Carnival (屏東夏日狂歡祭) opened Friday night at Pingtung County Citizens Park (屏東縣民公園), launching nearly two months of children’s activities, play equipment, and themed performances.

For the long term, Lai said the city should evaluate a 24-hour offshore airport near the waters off the Nansing Project Area (南星計畫區). He said an offshore site could reduce the effect of nighttime takeoffs and landings on urban neighborhoods while supporting international cargo and long-haul routes.

Kaohsiung is reviewing plans to extend its MRT network farther east, with future routes aimed at improving connections to Jiuqutang Station (九曲堂站), Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (佛光山佛陀紀念館), Dashu (大樹), and Cishan (旗山).

Liu said the Penghu International Fireworks Festival was once successful at attracting visitors during the slow season. However, after more than 20 years, the event has lost some of its novelty, and recent collaborations with popular IP brands have not been enough to offset wider changes in travel behavior.

The “Friendly Relay Program” will commence on July 1. YouBike members will automatically receive a NT$5 riding coupon when they borrow a bike from a full station, helping free up a dock, or return a bike to an empty station, helping make a bike available for the next rider.

Tourism officials say the added water recreation options should help Dapeng Bay attract more domestic and international visitors.

The company recorded an operating loss of more than NT$44 million, plus non-operating losses of almost NT$18 million, bringing its net loss to more than NT$62.18 million. It was the company’s largest annual loss since pandemic restrictions were lifted in 2021. Accumulated losses now stand at more than NT$1.2 billion, reports said.