In a recent interview at the Sabre Brunei Travel Fair held at the OneCity Shopping Centre, Abe Chou, Director of the Taiwan Tourism Administration for Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, and Brunei, highlighted the distinctive appeal of Taiwan as a burgeoning destination for Muslim travelers. Chou emphasized the shift in travel preferences observed at the Malaysia Travel Fair in Kuala Lumpur and the Brunei Travel Fair, noting that while visitors to Malaysia often opt for packaged tours, those in Brunei exhibit a stronger inclination to purchase air tickets directly.
Taiwan has recognized the potential to cater to Muslim travelers and has initiated the ‘Salam Taiwan’ campaign, aimed at providing comprehensive information about Muslim-friendly tourism in the country. Chou pointed out that Taiwan boasts approximately 300 Muslim-friendly restaurants, offering a diverse array of dishes such as Halal beef noodles and an assortment of fish-based menus that come highly recommended. Additionally, Taiwan is equipped with numerous facilities designed to accommodate the needs of Muslim visitors. Chou believes that disseminating more information about these offerings is crucial in altering the perception of Taiwan as a travel destination.
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As part of their efforts to promote Taiwan as a Muslim-friendly destination, Taiwan Tourism Administration has forged collaborations with Malaysian celebrities. This initiative commenced with Mira Filzah in 2018 and continued this year with Ayda Jebat. These collaborations aim to further boost awareness and interest among Muslim travelers.
Taiwan is easily accessible from Brunei, thanks to direct flight connections, and boasts nine mosques throughout the country, with three located in Taipei. To promote Taiwan as a Muslim-friendly destination, Taiwan Tourism Administration plans to organize a series of events throughout the year, extending beyond travel fairs.
In closing, Chou extended a warm invitation to Bruneian travelers, describing Taiwan as a new and welcoming destination that is eager to welcome more visitors from Brunei. With its diverse offerings and commitment to providing Muslim-friendly services, Taiwan is poised to become a cherished destination for travelers seeking unique experiences.
