Muslims are welcome in Taiwan, and the Taiwan Tourism Bureau is focusing on encouraging more Muslims to visit Taiwan at the ongoing WITM-MATTA Fair 2013 at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur.

Taiwan Tourism Bureau Kuala Lumpur Office director David Tsao said they published Melancong ke Taiwan untuk Muslim (Travel to Taiwan for Muslims) guide in March this year.

“We want to show them that we are prepared to welcome them to our country,” he said when met at the pre-show Taiwan Tourism Promotion Conference for the tourism industry and media in Kuala Lumpur, recently.

“We understand the needs of Muslims and have included a list of places serving halal food, list of mosques and a timetable for the five daily prayer times,” Tsao said, adding that 10,000 copies of the guide had been printed to be given out for free.

Those interested in a copy of the guide may call the office at 03- 2070 6789 or visit the fair.

Tsao also encouraged travellers to download a phone application, called “Taiwan Events”, available on both iPhone and Android for annual events in Taiwan as well assist them in finding places to eat and stay when in Taiwan.

A delegation from 84 tourism and performing groups is represent Taiwan at the fair to showcase Taiwan’s food, shopping and romantic getaways.

They are at the Taiwan Pavilion in Hall 4 of PWTC at booths 4101 to 4114.

Meanwhile, Leisure Agriculture and Audio Guide Association member Lai Shuw-Wei said they would be promoting Shinshe located in Taichung City during the WITM-MATTA Fair.

“People usually associate Shinshe with lavender and mushrooms but it has so much more to offer. Shinshe also has fruit-picking, Sea of Flowers Festival and new innovations using local products by small business operators.

“We have mushroom ice cream and mushroom noodles,” she said, adding that she runs a homestay programme with her husband.

Sinshe district, which is made up of 13 villages, is located in the mid-Eastern mountains of Taichung City.

For details on Shinshe, visit http://www.shinshe.org.tw/

The MATTA Fair is on until tomorrow.