Hualien builds a "Muslim-friendly environment" to promote diverse tourism development

▲ Many hotels offer Muslim-friendly suites, providing items such as prayer mats. (Photo / Reporter Lin Yuling)

Reporter Lin Yuling / Comprehensive report

To expand into diverse international tourism markets, the Hualien County Government held a special lecture titled "Creating a Vision for Diverse Tourism – A Muslim-Friendly Environment" on the morning of the 13th, attracting over 200 participants. It was mentioned that Islam, the faith of Muslims, is not only a religion but also a way of life. Therefore, when receiving Muslim travelers, adhering to principles such as "thoughtfulness, respect, and communication," while asking more questions and seeking their opinions, differences in religious customs can become interesting opportunities for multicultural exchange.

Wu Jieping, head of the Planning Division at the Tourism Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, analyzed the "New Trends in Taiwan’s Tourism Industry Pulse," pointing out that in Mastercard’s 2016 Global Muslim Travel Index, Taiwan ranked 7th among non-OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) countries, showing unlimited market potential.

During the lecture, Professor Ma Yaozu was invited to share insights on "Muslim Etiquette and Customs," including the design of prayer areas, pre-prayer ablution facilities, Muslim dietary practices, halal certification, and associated etiquette and customs.

He stated that Islam, the faith of Muslims, is not only a religion but also a way of life. Muslims around the world may have slight variations in habits due to regional and cultural differences, so when receiving Muslim travelers, adhering to principles such as "thoughtfulness, respect, and communication," while asking more questions and seeking their opinions, can lead to interesting multicultural exchanges.

In daily life, the five pillars of Islam—profession of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salah), fasting (Sawm), almsgiving (Zakat), and pilgrimage (Hajj)—are considered core duties. Muslims must pray five times a day facing Mecca at specific times: dawn, noon, afternoon, dusk, and night. Muslims need a quiet, clean, undisturbed space for prayer, where no images of people are allowed in prayer rooms, and the Quran does not need to be provided, as it is internalized in their lives. Therefore, having "prayer rooms" in scenic spots, hotels, airports, restaurants, and other places will enhance the willingness of Muslims to visit Taiwan.

In terms of food, whether Taiwan’s halal restaurants can meet Muslim standards is a core focus in developing the Muslim market. Aside from the prohibition of pork products, the preparation of meat must follow Muslim traditions, using oils other than lard during cooking.

There are also prescribed processes for the slaughtering and preparation of other meats. Predatory birds and animals with sharp teeth and claws, such as elephants, lions, tigers, eagles, rats, and reptiles, which prey on other animals, are not permissible. When in doubt, vegetarian or seafood options can be conservatively offered.

▲ For example, Ideal Formosa rooms also include prayer timetables. (Photo / Reporter Lin Yuling)