TAIWAN is widening its range of Muslim-friendly travel options as it locks on to the burgeoning markets of Malaysia and Indonesia.
Kathy Yuan, section chief of the internal affairs division of tourism bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications of Taiwan (MTCT), said: “We are focused on growing traffic from Malaysia and Indonesia. In order to push these markets, we collaborate closely with the travel trade and invite local media to cover Taiwan.”
In May 2012, Garuda Indonesia resumed Taipei-Jakarta flights, flying daily between both cities.
CT Su, chairman of Taipei International Travel Fair (ITF), pointed out the potential of the Muslim market, saying: “More and more Indonesians travel overseas and 98 per cent of the population is Muslim. That’s a huge market for us.”
Yuan said: “After certifying restaurants this year, we’ll target attractions in 2014 due to rising demand.”
Paul Hsieh, deputy general manager of Edison Tours, observed that more halal food outlets were needed.
Last September, MTCT appointed the Chinese Muslim Association to help with the halal certification of restaurants and hotels. The certificate is valid for one year, with the need for renewal, ensuring service and product quality.
“Currently, our bureau has designed two Muslim itineraries – Taipei-Hualien and Taipei-Kaohsiung. Travel consultants follow our concept and sell these to clients. In future, there will be themed travel concepts, e.g. family travel with theme park visits,” said Yuan.
She added that it was vital for tour guides to undergo training to overcome the language barrier and understand travellers’ needs.
“Taiwan has got lots to offer to our clients. Besides relying on one or two traditional Taiwanese groundhandlers, I am looking for more travel consultant contacts this time,” said Rudy Halim, president of Jakarta-based Istana Tour, who has been promoting Taiwan for the last 17 years.
