Anchor point
Kaohsiung Welcomes 12 New Muslim-Friendly Certified Establishments, Strengthening Its Inclusive Tourism Environment
Post date:2024-12-12
Update:2025-04-24
Viewing Count 301
The Tourism Bureau has intensified its efforts to tap into the global Muslim tourism market of 1.9 billion people through its "2024 Kaohsiung Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Certification Program." The initiative has welcomed 12 new establishments this year, bringing the total to 24 hotels, 11 restaurants, 4 visitor facilities, and 1 travel agency with Muslim-friendly or Halal certification. Local tourism association leaders and representatives gathered to witness this significant milestone in Kaohsiung's development as a Muslim-friendly destination.
Min-Lin Kao, Director-general of Tourism Bureau, emphasized that the global Muslim population, numbering around 1.9 billion and representing a quarter of the world's population, presents substantial tourism opportunities, particularly in Asia. Aligned with Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, Kaohsiung's position as Southern Taiwan's international gateway is reinforced by over 64 weekly direct flights connecting to Southeast Asian nations including Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. To capture this growing market, the Tourism Bureau launched its Muslim-friendly accommodation certification program in September, hosting informational sessions that drew more than 40 hospitality businesses. The first phase has successfully certified 12 establishments, with results announced on the 6th of this month. The Bureau aims to certify an additional 20 Muslim-friendly accommodations in the coming year.
Kao revealed that the Bureau is systematically upgrading tourist attractions across the City, including Neimen Tourist Leisure Area, Siaogangshan Skywalk Park, Love River and Pier-2 Art Center, Asia New Bay Area, Cijin, Lotus Pond Scenic Area, and Shoushan Zoo. These improvements include adding or enhancing Muslim-friendly facilities such as prayer rooms, bidet spray, Qibla directions and prayer rugs, positioning Kaohsiung as Taiwan's leading Muslim-friendly destination.
The latest certified 12 establishments include City Suites (Kaohsiung Chenai, Kaohsiung Pier2, Midtown Richardson (Bo’ai), Papa Whale (Formosa Boulevard)), The Grand Hotel Kaohsiung, Sa-Yo Hotel, Single Inn Linsen, Rooster B&B, Naval Quarters No. 3 and 4, and Return Trip Inn. Imam Hsiao-chi Ma, who oversaw the certification process, highlighted that Muslim tourism encompasses all aspects of travel, making Muslim-friendly certification essential for attracting visitors from this community. The Kaohsiung City Government has shown remarkable initiative in promoting Muslim-friendly certification, fostering an inclusive tourism environment that strengthens the City's position in the international Muslim tourism market and welcomes more Muslim visitors.
Chia-yi Lu, Associate Manager of The Grand Hotel Kaohsiung, expressed pride in achieving certification as it underlines the Hotel’s commitment to cultural diversity and hospitality. Meng-tzu Wu, Vice President of City Suites Kaohsiung Chenai, acknowledged the Tourism Bureau's initiative, noting an increase in Muslim guests following its facility enhancements. Sa-Yo Hotel Chairman Hao-hong Hsu shared how the certification process deepened his understanding of Muslim culture beyond dietary requirements, emphasizing the Hotel’s goal to showcase Kaohsiung's hospitality and culinary diversity.
Director Kao noted that the initiative's success stems from the City Government’s investment in guidance and strong support from industry associations and the willingness of businesses to invest in environmental improvements and service staff training. Taiwan's recent achievement of ranking third among non-OIC destinations in the 2023 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) published by CrescentRating, behind only Singapore and the United Kingdom, reflects these efforts. Kao affirmed the Bureau's commitment to further expanding Muslim-friendly facilities and services throughout Kaohsiung and making the City one of Muslim's favorite destinations.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Tourism Bureau plans to continue the certification program, strengthening Kaohsiung's position as a premier destination for Muslim travelers and showcasing the City's warm hospitality to Muslim visitors worldwide. For detailed information, visit the Kaohsiung Travel Website.
Min-Lin Kao, Director-general of Tourism Bureau, emphasized that the global Muslim population, numbering around 1.9 billion and representing a quarter of the world's population, presents substantial tourism opportunities, particularly in Asia. Aligned with Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, Kaohsiung's position as Southern Taiwan's international gateway is reinforced by over 64 weekly direct flights connecting to Southeast Asian nations including Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines. To capture this growing market, the Tourism Bureau launched its Muslim-friendly accommodation certification program in September, hosting informational sessions that drew more than 40 hospitality businesses. The first phase has successfully certified 12 establishments, with results announced on the 6th of this month. The Bureau aims to certify an additional 20 Muslim-friendly accommodations in the coming year.
Kao revealed that the Bureau is systematically upgrading tourist attractions across the City, including Neimen Tourist Leisure Area, Siaogangshan Skywalk Park, Love River and Pier-2 Art Center, Asia New Bay Area, Cijin, Lotus Pond Scenic Area, and Shoushan Zoo. These improvements include adding or enhancing Muslim-friendly facilities such as prayer rooms, bidet spray, Qibla directions and prayer rugs, positioning Kaohsiung as Taiwan's leading Muslim-friendly destination.
The latest certified 12 establishments include City Suites (Kaohsiung Chenai, Kaohsiung Pier2, Midtown Richardson (Bo’ai), Papa Whale (Formosa Boulevard)), The Grand Hotel Kaohsiung, Sa-Yo Hotel, Single Inn Linsen, Rooster B&B, Naval Quarters No. 3 and 4, and Return Trip Inn. Imam Hsiao-chi Ma, who oversaw the certification process, highlighted that Muslim tourism encompasses all aspects of travel, making Muslim-friendly certification essential for attracting visitors from this community. The Kaohsiung City Government has shown remarkable initiative in promoting Muslim-friendly certification, fostering an inclusive tourism environment that strengthens the City's position in the international Muslim tourism market and welcomes more Muslim visitors.
Chia-yi Lu, Associate Manager of The Grand Hotel Kaohsiung, expressed pride in achieving certification as it underlines the Hotel’s commitment to cultural diversity and hospitality. Meng-tzu Wu, Vice President of City Suites Kaohsiung Chenai, acknowledged the Tourism Bureau's initiative, noting an increase in Muslim guests following its facility enhancements. Sa-Yo Hotel Chairman Hao-hong Hsu shared how the certification process deepened his understanding of Muslim culture beyond dietary requirements, emphasizing the Hotel’s goal to showcase Kaohsiung's hospitality and culinary diversity.
Director Kao noted that the initiative's success stems from the City Government’s investment in guidance and strong support from industry associations and the willingness of businesses to invest in environmental improvements and service staff training. Taiwan's recent achievement of ranking third among non-OIC destinations in the 2023 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) published by CrescentRating, behind only Singapore and the United Kingdom, reflects these efforts. Kao affirmed the Bureau's commitment to further expanding Muslim-friendly facilities and services throughout Kaohsiung and making the City one of Muslim's favorite destinations.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Tourism Bureau plans to continue the certification program, strengthening Kaohsiung's position as a premier destination for Muslim travelers and showcasing the City's warm hospitality to Muslim visitors worldwide. For detailed information, visit the Kaohsiung Travel Website.
Gallery
