Update Date: October 10, 2025
[TRAVELRICH Media／Editorial Desk] The Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area Administration under the Tourism Administration, MOTC (hereafter “the Northeast Coast Administration”) has implemented the “Muslim-Friendly Environment Improvement Assistance Program for the Greater Northeast Coast Tourism Circle” for four consecutive years since 2022. The results presentation for the program’s fourth year was recently held at Hotel Valletta in Yilan County. In attendance were Northeast Coast Administration Director Yu Liyu, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Minister-Counsellor Zheng Taixiang , Tourism Malaysia Director Hafiz, and representatives from the New Taipei City Department of Tourism and Travel, Yilan County Government Department of Economic Affairs and Tourism, and many Taiwan-based inbound tour operators. Exchanges at the venue were lively and the atmosphere was warm.
▲Muslim-friendly certification recipients, Greater Northeast Coast program. Photo: Reporter 謝旻蒨.
The presentation showcased the program’s significant achievements over the past four years and emphasized the importance of international promotion and collaboration across local industry chains. In particular, Southeast Asian markets such as Malaysia and Indonesia hold tremendous potential in Muslim travel. Leveraging this opportunity, the Northeast Coast Administration is continuing to attract the attention and visits of international Muslim travelers through its series of marketing initiatives, including participating in the 2025 Malaysia MATTA Fair and influencer campaigns.
▲Director Yu vows to raise food, lodging, activities, shopping standards and link results to overseas markets to generate new business. Photo: Reporter 謝旻蒨
Director Yu Liyu noted that demand and potential in the Muslim travel market continue to grow. The Administration will keep helping businesses improve service quality across food, lodging, activities, and shopping categories and align program outcomes with international market expectations to create more business opportunities for local operators. To date, Muslim-friendly certified businesses are centered in Ruifang, Pingxi, and Gongliao in New Taipei City and Toucheng, Jiaoxi, Zhuangwei, Sanxing, and Dongshan in Yilan County, demonstrating the strong commitment and results achieved by the Greater Northeast Coast Tourism Circle with regard to Muslim-friendly services.
During the event, 13 businesses received Muslim-friendly certifications. Organizers also showcased the 62 businesses, 78 products, and four curated Muslim-friendly itineraries already certified under the program. The certified itineraries span accommodations, food and beverage service providers, experiential activities, and Halal products, underscoring the Circle’s comprehensive, traveler-centered approach to Muslim visitors.
▲ Rising Muslim travel demand sees the Greater Northeast Coast program expand Muslim-friendly certifications across businesses, products, and tours. Photo: Reporter 謝旻蒨.
▲Showcase of Muslim-friendly upgrades underscores the push for international collaboration. Photo: Reporter 謝旻蒨.
In addition to launching carefully designed itineraries, the Administration is developing bilingual (Chinese–English) travel information and promotional materials to make trip planning easier for tour operators and Muslim travelers as well as working closely with local businesses to build cross-border partnerships. This not only enhances the international competitiveness of local operators but also opens new opportunities for the regional industry chain—especially dining, lodging, and transportation services—suggesting synergies across the chain will continue to deepen.
To further international exchange and cooperation, the venue featured an exhibition area highlighting the efforts and outcomes of certified businesses in building Muslim-friendly environments, with representatives of Malaysia and Indonesia in Taiwan and Taiwan’s inbound tour operators taking part. This initiative not only facilitates peer-to-peer sharing but also helps raise Taiwan’s visibility and influence in the global Muslim travel market.
Looking ahead, the Northeast Coast Administration will continue to advance Muslim-friendly tourism and, through expanded international promotion and partnerships, create broader development opportunities for local industries. The program not only helps local operators improve service quality, but also generates more jobs and economic benefits for the region. As more Muslim travelers from around the world set foot in this beautiful corner of Taiwan where mountains meet the sea, they will experience the Northeast Coast’s distinctive scenery and warm Muslim-friendly services—further deepening Taiwan’s presence in the international tourism market.
👉 Original News Link: TRAVELRICH Media