Taiwan Looks to SE Asia For Muslim Tourist Dollars

Have you noticed Taiwan popping up more on travel wish lists, especially among Muslim travelers? Well, there’s a reason for that! Taiwan has been making some serious moves in the tourism scene, and they’re focusing heavily on attracting visitors from Southeast Asia’s booming Muslim population. With the global number of Muslim travelers expected to reach a staggering 230 million by 2026, Taiwan wants a piece of that action. And they’re not just sitting back—they’re rolling out halal-friendly infrastructure, culturally aware services, and smart marketing campaigns to make sure they stand out. If you’re wondering why more Muslim tourists, especially from places like Malaysia and Indonesia, are heading to Taiwan, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into how Taiwan is positioning itself as a top Muslim-friendly destination!

Why Southeast Asia? A Strategic Choice

Southeast Asia is home to some of the largest Muslim populations in the world, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. Together, these countries contribute significantly to global Muslim travel, with Indonesia alone boasting over 229 million Muslims. The proximity between Southeast Asia and Taiwan makes it a logical target for Taiwan’s tourism sector, and the New Southbound Policy has further intensified these efforts. This policy, launched in 2016, aims to enhance cooperation between Taiwan and 18 Southeast Asian and South Asian countries, with tourism being a major area of focus.

As Southeast Asian countries continue to see rising incomes and increased middle-class spending power, more people are traveling abroad. The Muslim travel market is projected to grow exponentially, with expectations that it will contribute $300 billion to the global economy by 2026. Recognizing this immense potential, Taiwan is focusing on creating a welcoming environment to attract these travelers.

Efforts to Create a Muslim-Friendly Environment

Taiwan has been working diligently to transform itself into a Muslim-friendly destination. Over the past several years, the country has seen a significant increase in the number of halal-certified restaurants, hotels, and other services aimed at Muslim tourists. For instance, halal restaurants have more than tripled since 2016, catering to the growing demand for food that meets Islamic dietary requirements​

Hotels in major tourist spots like Taipei and Kaohsiung have also adapted, providing services such as qibla indicators, prayer mats, and halal-friendly dining options. The Taipei Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Taiwan, also acts as a cultural and religious hub for Muslim travelers, offering a place for worship and community gathering. Many hotels in Taiwan have sought halal certification, a process overseen by the Chinese Muslim Association, which has been a key player in ensuring Muslim travelers feel welcome.

The Rise of Halal Tourism Initiatives

Taiwan’s Tourism Bureau has been proactive in ensuring that Muslim travelers have a smooth and enjoyable experience while visiting. As part of their efforts to grow halal tourism, Taiwan has introduced several key initiatives. One of the standout examples is the Muslim Travel Guide app, designed specifically to help Muslim travelers locate halal-certified restaurants, mosques, and other Muslim-friendly services across the country. The app has gained popularity among tourists from Southeast Asia, providing an easy-to-use resource to navigate Taiwan’s growing halal infrastructure.

Another notable initiative is Taiwan’s participation in international halal tourism expos, such as the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS), where Taiwan showcases its commitment to creating a welcoming environment for Muslim travelers. These efforts are complemented by marketing campaigns aimed at countries with large Muslim populations, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.

Increasing Accessibility for Southeast Asian Travelers

Language can often be a barrier for travelers, but Taiwan has taken steps to address this issue for its Southeast Asian visitors. Many tourist destinations now offer information in Bahasa Indonesia and Malay, ensuring that Muslim travelers from these regions can navigate the country with ease. Additionally, Mandarin-speaking guides who are familiar with halal requirements are becoming more common, further improving the experience for Muslim tourists.

Airline connectivity has also improved. With more direct flights between Taiwan and Southeast Asia, traveling has become more convenient for Muslim tourists. Taiwan’s national carrier, China Airlines, and other regional airlines have increased their flight frequencies, providing more options for travelers from Muslim-majority countries. This accessibility is crucial to Taiwan’s goal of attracting more Muslim visitors in the coming years.

Global Recognition of Taiwan’s Efforts

Taiwan’s dedication to becoming a top destination for Muslim travelers has not gone unnoticed. According to the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), Taiwan is now ranked second among non-OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) countries for Muslim-friendly travel, trailing only Singapore​

This is a remarkable achievement, considering that just a decade ago, Taiwan was not even on the radar of most Muslim travelers.

The GMTI ranks destinations based on criteria such as halal food availability, access to prayer spaces, safety, and the presence of Muslim-friendly services. Taiwan’s high ranking reflects the country’s success in implementing policies and services that cater to the needs of Muslim travelers, with a particular focus on safety and ease of access to halal amenities.

While Taiwan has made impressive strides, there are still challenges to overcome. One of the primary hurdles is raising awareness among Southeast Asian travelers about Taiwan as a Muslim-friendly destination. Many potential tourists may not yet be aware of the extensive efforts Taiwan has made to accommodate Muslim travelers, which is why continued marketing and outreach will be essential.

Additionally, while the number of halal-certified establishments is growing, there is still room for improvement, particularly in more remote areas outside of Taipei and Kaohsiung. Expanding the reach of halal certification across the entire country will be key to making Taiwan a top choice for Muslim travelers.

Looking forward, Taiwan is poised to continue building on its success by strengthening partnerships with Southeast Asian countries and further enhancing its tourism offerings. The country’s strategic focus on the Muslim travel market will not only boost its economy but also help it build lasting cultural and economic ties with its Southeast Asian neighbors.

With its concerted efforts to create a welcoming environment for Muslim tourists, Taiwan is well on its way to becoming a top destination for travelers from Southeast Asia. The country’s commitment to halal-friendly services, coupled with strategic marketing and partnerships, positions Taiwan as a key player in the growing global halal tourism market.

As the number of Muslim travelers continues to rise, Taiwan’s innovative approach to creating a Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem will serve as a model for other non-OIC countries looking to tap into this lucrative market. By focusing on cultural sensitivity, halal accessibility, and Southeast Asian partnerships, Taiwan is ready to welcome a new wave of Muslim travelers, bringing cultural exchange and economic benefits to both the country and its visitors.