The 32 'tourist factories' around Taiwan drew more than 1.1 million visitors in the first six months of this year, generating approximately NT$200 million (US$6.1 million) in tourism revenue, according to a report released Saturday by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA). In recent years, the Industrial Development Bureau under the MOEA has been promoting the transformation of traditional factories into open houses accessible by the public. Most such 'tourist factories' were not affected by the recession that hit the manufacturing sector in the wake of the global financial crisis, which has encouraged many more newcomers, the report said. So far this year, 33 factories have applied with the MOEA for guidance to transform themselves into 'tourist factories,' the report said. Among them is a whisky distillery operated by the King Car Group in Yuanshan township, Yilan County. The establishment, built in the style of a European castle, receives hundreds of thousands of visitors a month, the report stated. Another factory finding success with the model is that of Lien Cheng Saxophone Co. -- the manufacturer of Taiwan's first locally developed saxophone -- in Houli township, Taichung County. A saxophone made 160 years ago by the instrument's inventor, Adolphe Sax, is on display at the facility, where guided tours and basic saxophone lessons are being provided to visitors. Another applicant is a shoe factory in Kaohsiung City run by Puhu Footwear Co., one of the few domestic footwear manufacturers that have their own brands, according to the report. 