Taiwan promotes its halal credentials
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Taiwan, rated the 10th best destination for Muslim travellers outside the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states by Global Muslim Travel Index, is promoting its halal-friendly credentials.
The Asian destination, which attracts more than 200,000 Muslim tourists each year, has provided a list of top facilities, attractions and services that cater to this fast-growing tourism segment. They include:
Mosques: The Taipei Grand Mosque is the most notable mosque in Taiwan and is also
the oldest and largest mosque on the island;
Halal Food: There are numerous Halal certified restaurants spread across the country. Locating good Halal eateries have become easier. In addition, to local specialties like Hakka stir fries, Taipei beef noodles and snacks like shrimp rolls, oyster omlettes, steamed dumplings and shaved ice, tourists will also be able to enjoy fantastic Japanese cuisine along with other international flavors
Halal Food Certification: Taiwan has two certification boards; the Taiwan Halal Integrity Development Association (THID) and the Chinese Muslim Association. There are two kinds of certification, “Halal restaurants” for those owned by Muslims, and “Muslim friendly restaurants” for Halal outlets owned by non-Muslims. Since both these certificates confirm the Halal status of the restaurant, Muslim tourists looking for a restaurant to dine at could now look for the logos displayed at these outlets before dining. The Halal logos displayed at the restaurants and the helpful information found online regarding these outlets make it easier to plan a trip to the island nation.
Halal Restaurants: Locating Halal restaurants in cosmopolitan Taipei is known to have more options, while those venturing out of Taipei city, especially to more rural parts of Taiwan may find it more difficult to locate Halal cuisine. When unable to locate Halal eateries in certain areas, the best option would be to find a vegetarian restaurant.
Prayer Rooms: Islamic prayer rooms have been made available at Taoyuan International Airport, the high speed Taichung Station rail station and along some highways.
Taiwan’s tourism board is attempting to create a Muslim-friendly island nation and it is achieving success at a faster pace than expected.
The bureau has been working with the Taipei-based Chinese Muslims Association over the past few years to create a Muslim-friendly environment that would include the certification of Muslim restaurants and hotels.
More than 100 travel-related businesses have obtained Halal certification and many others are being assessed.
They include attractions like the National Palace Museum and hotels in some Taiwan’s most beautiful locations such as Alishan and the Sun Moon Lake.
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