By KHT Staff. Image via Kaohsiung Economic Development Bureau.
KAOHSIUNG — Kaohsiung’s concert economy coupon program has delivered mixed results, with some business district and night market vouchers reaching fewer than one in five intended users, according to an audit report.
The Kaohsiung Economic Development Bureau has issued “business district and night market coupons” to encourage concertgoers and visitors to spend at local shops.
However, a report by the Kaohsiung City Audit Division said coupon distribution rates in four sampled outsourced projects in 2023 ranged from 19.18% to 33.44%.
Actual redemption rates among distributed coupons ranged from 43.92% to 66.81%, the report said.
The audit also found that 79.26% of coupon use was concentrated in night markets, suggesting weaker benefits for traditional business districts and independent shops.
The report said the program had a total budget of more than NT$27.42 million since March 2023.
It also found that official website information on participating shops was not always updated in time, while some partner businesses failed to issue invoices for the full transaction amount as required.
The Economic Development Bureau said it would continue working with concert organizers to adjust coupon distribution methods.
The bureau said it would also design themed events to connect more types of businesses and expand the program’s reach beyond night markets.
It said contractors would be told to strengthen training for partner businesses, including rules on full invoice issuance, while website information would be updated more consistently.
Kaohsiung City Councilor Pai Chiao-yin (白喬茵) said the coupon program is a good idea because it can encourage visitors to spend locally, but its impact is limited if coupons are hard to collect, hard to use or accepted by too few shops.
She said there are not enough participating night markets near major concert venues, while independent partner stores are not widespread enough.
Pai said the city should simplify coupon redemption and reimbursement procedures, speed up payments to participating stores and make partner shop information easier to find.
She also urged the city to include more night markets and business districts near MRT stations, so concert and exhibition crowds can be guided more easily to nearby commercial areas.
