HAKIM MAHARI
KUALA LUMPUR: Taiwan Tourism Administration Kuala Lumpur office launched its "OhBear Cars" campaign, a three-month thematic promotion to encourage Malaysians to choose Taiwan as their travel destination next year.
Two hundred cars painted with scenic views of the island state will be roaming the streets of the Klang Valley to pique the people's interest.
The artwork on the cars, specially designed by Malaysia Art Education Association president Stanley Goh, features the Railway Tourism, Taiwan Hot Springs and Muslim-Friendly themes.
Speaking at Gate Plaza, Lalaport, Kuala Lumpur, Taiwan Tourism Bureau Kuala Lumpur Office director Chou Shih Pi said each theme carries a different message to attract Malaysians.
"The 'Railway Tourism' theme combines Taiwan's traditional blue train with the deep blue Pacific Ocean, colourful hot air balloons, and brilliant golden daylily flower sea in Hualien, indicating a fun, peaceful and serene experience of the eastern coast of Taiwan.
"In order to attract Malaysians to experience the beauty, romance, and relaxation of Taiwan's springtime, we introduce the 'Taiwan Hot Springs' theme, which utilises hot springs on the island and the beautiful spring cherry blossoms.
The 'Muslim-Friendly' theme focuses on the lantern experience that Southeast Asian tourists enjoy, along with features such as the Pingxi Line Railway and the Houtong Cat Village, inviting Muslim friends to travel in Taiwan," he said.
This is the first collaboration between the Taiwan Tourism Office and Goh, who has been listed among the top 10 Outstanding Young Malay-sians and as a World Creative Art Master.
Goh hopes that his three "OhBear Car" designs will invoke a sense of liveliness and an enjoyable feeling in Malaysians to travel in Taiwan.
"It was my first time creating artwork on car bodies. I took a lot of time and effort to design the Taiwan OhBear Cars.
"Seeing my work now travelling around Kuala Lumpur and receiving positive feedback from various quarters, I feel that the hardship of the process has resulted in a wonderful value," he said.
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office deputy head Dr Joy Yen said Malaysia is an important source of inbound tourists for Taiwan.
She revealed that the number of Malaysians who visited Taiwan from January to August this year exceeded 250,000 people.
"Malaysian tourists have discovered three main advantages of travelling to Taiwan; a safe society, convenient transport, and friendly and hospitable people, which allow them to explore the beauty of Taiwan comfortably."
She also said that Taiwan ranked third among the best travel destinations for Islamic countries as reported on the Mastercard 2023 Global Muslim Travel Index.
"Taiwan has not only successfully integrated Muslim travel resources, but also demonstrated enthusiasm, friendliness and respect for Muslims in terms of social safety and religious freedom," she added.
In conjunction with the campaign launch, the Taiwan Tourism Administration Kuala Lumpur office is holding the "Taiwan the Lucky Land" contest — a lucky draw that offers travel prizes.
People can also participate in "Snap and Win Taiwan" contest by simply posting a photo of the Taiwan "OhBear Cars" on Facebook or Instagram.
Participants stand a chance to win lucrative prizes, including a round-trip from Kuala Lumpur to Taipei, as well as 300 accommodation vouchers worth RM800 each.
