To tap into the Muslim tourism market, Taichung City has been actively promoting Muslim-friendly certifications. To date, several tourist factories, such as the A-Cong Taro Cultural Museum and the Baogong Fishing Wharf, have obtained certification. These efforts showcase Taichung’s friendliness, diversity, and inclusiveness. In May of this year, the Taichung City Government Tourism Bureau invited Malaysian artist Abbas and influencer couple Alana to Taichung to film a promotional video and experience popular attractions like Gaomei Wetlands and the Bicycle Culture Exploration Center, to attract more Muslim tourists.
Strolling Along the Gaomei Wetlands Boardwalk. (Photo / Courtesy of Taichung City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)
Tourism Bureau Director Chen Mei-Hsiu pointed out that approximately one-fifth of the global population is Muslim, making this vast market a significant opportunity for Taichung's tourism industry. However, Muslims have specific dietary and accommodation requirements, so Taichung’s businesses need to optimize and improve accordingly. During the Malaysian influencer couple’s visit to Taichung, the Tourism Bureau arranged for them to visit HALAL-certified restaurants such as Little India Halal Restaurant and Anatolia. The couple praised the delicious meals, showcasing Taichung's hospitality.
The itinerary also included visits to the A-Cong Taro Cultural Museum, Baogong Fishing Wharf, Isabelle Bakery Tourism Factory, and Star Yaxinn Hotel Zhongqing Branch. These tourist factories and accommodations have all obtained Muslim certification. During their visit, the couple experienced cake and dessert making, tasted various pastries, participated in handmade taro puff baking, marine education tours, and fishing activities. The diverse and enriching itinerary left them thoroughly impressed.
Strolling Along the Gaomei Wetlands Boardwalk. (Photo / Courtesy of Taichung City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)
To cater to Southeast Asian tourists’ preferences and showcase Taichung's unique charm, the Tourism Bureau arranged for the couple to visit Gaomei Wetlands, where they rode along the Gaomei Seawall Bikeway, enjoying the soothing sea breeze. They also climbed the Gaomei Lighthouse to admire the coastal scenery. At the Zhong She Flower Market, they took photos with blooming sunflowers, enjoying the floral beauty of Taichung. Additionally, the couple visited the internationally renowned Bicycle Culture Exploration Center, where they participated in a VR cycling race guided by professional instructors. Finally, they savored Taichung’s signature pearl milk tea at Chun Shui Tang, praising this iconic local drink.
The Tourism Bureau stated that Taichung City will continue to promote Muslim-friendly tourism and welcomes everyone to invite their Muslim friends to visit Taichung. Moreover, to celebrate the "2024 Taichung Cycling Carnival," from now until September 30, anyone who joins the "Taichung Cycling Carnival" official LINE@ and collects stamps from any three of the five cycling routes can redeem a limited-edition souvenir at designated stores with a digital voucher. For more information on related events and travel, please visit the "Taichung Tourism Website."
