Taiwan expects 10 per cent increase of Malaysian tourists

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 15 (Bernama) -- Taiwan expects to increase the number of Malaysian tourist arrivals to the country by 10 per cent this year through its efforts in improving facilities for Muslim travellers.

Taiwan Tourism Bureau's Kuala Lumpur Office director Abe Chou said Taiwan recorded 526,129 tourists’ traffic from Malaysia last year.

"The other factor which can contribute to the traffic increase is growing connectivity of direct, non-stop route between Malaysia to Taiwan including by Malaysia Airlines, China Airlines, Eva Airlines, AirAsia, and Malindo weekly, " he told a press conference here today where Taiwan was announced  as Asia’s Favourite Destination at the 2019 Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Fair 2019. 

Chou added that Taiwan had been continuously improving its facilities to cater to Muslim travellers with its main transportation hubs and national scenic areas all upgraded for Muslim visitors.

"More than 176 restaurants and hotels have obtained relevant certifications. Taiwan's major transportation stations and 13 national scenic spots have been equipped with Muslim-friendly facilities," he explained.

Meanwhile, Matta chief executive officer Phua Tai Neng said Matta Fair would be the right platform to promote Taiwan as a great tourist destination for Malaysians.

"Travelers usually have only heard about Taipei but actually they also have many natural landscape such as the Sun Moon lake and the Kenting National Park to Chinese's traditional history and culture," he said.

Phua said there were also many well-known festivals to be recommended to Malaysians including the Taiwan International Balloon Festival held from June to August and Taiwan Cycle Festival from June To December. 

To be held from March 15 to 17 at its usual venue, the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here, Matta Fair 2019 will see over 1,369 booths from over 268 participating Matta members. 

-- BERNAMA