Taipei  - Taiwan treated 350 foreign tourists to free massage Sunday as part of its campaign to promote "health tourism."

The tourists, seated in chairs at the National Taiwan University gymnasium, received 40-minute massages on their hands, shoulders and backs by 350 blind masseurs.

Some tourists screamed in pain while other giggled and laughed as the masseurs squeezed their muscles and exerted pressure on nerve points.

It was the second time the Taiwan Tourism Bureau has arranged a free massage event for foreign tourists.

On July 1, 2008, Taiwan set a Guinness World Record by arranging for 1,008 people, including hundreds of foreign tourists, to have free foot massages simultaneously.

We want to promote health tourism so that foreigners can come to Taiwan to have massage, enjoy hot springs, get medical checkups and attend other health-related events," tourism bureau spokesman Chen Chiung-hua said.

Massage, especially foot massage, is popular in Taiwan. In large cities, there are many massage parlours which charge 500 Taiwan dollars (15 US dollars) for 30 minutes of foot massage, which can relieve fatigue and has therapeutic effects for certain illnesses. (dpa)