Taiwan ranks 10th in Muslim travel market survey

2015-03-20

Taiwan is the 10th best destination for Muslim travelers outside Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states, according to the recently released Global Muslim Travel Index.

Scoring 46.2 across a range of faith-friendly criteria such as dining options, prayer space access and safe travel, Taiwan outperformed 33 other countries and territories to secure a top-10 finish. Globally, it ranked 36th—a positive showing for the nation on debut in the 100-strong index.

The other top-10 entries are Singapore, 65.1; Thailand, 59.2; the U.K., 55; South Africa, 51.1; France, 48.2; Belgium and Hong Kong, 47.5; the U.S., 47.3; and Spain, 46.5.

An official from the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications said March 19 that the result is a genuine honor and underscores the effectiveness of government efforts in making Taiwan a Muslim-friendly travel environment.

According to the official, Taiwan has 13 national scenic areas like East Rift Valley, Southwest Coast and Sun Moon Lake satisfying Islamic etiquette standards, with 65 hotels and restaurants Halal certified.

“Taiwan attracted 180,000-plus Muslim tourist visits in 2014 and we expect to see this figure grow 10 percent by year-end,” the official said, adding that the bureau aims to achieve an accumulated 1 million visits within 10 years.

Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of index co-compiler Singapore-based Crescent Rating, said he applauds Taiwan’s accomplishment. “More destinations are targeting the Muslim tourism sector like Japan and Taiwan, and it is a trend we expect to continue.”

Last year, there were 108 million Muslim travelers representing 10 percent of the global travel economy, Bahardeen said. “The industry was worth US$145 billion, with this number forecast to reach US$200 billion by 2020.”

Compiled by MasterCard Inc. and Crescent Rating, the index was launched in 2011 and is considered one of the most trusted sources of information for the fast-growing Muslim traveler segment.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=228503&CtNode=413)