۱۰ فروردین ۱۴۰۳ |۱۹ رمضان ۱۴۴۵ | Mar 29, 2024
News ID: 344511
30 August 2016 - 11:58
Indonesia pushes for Muslim travelers to boost sector

Indonesia has set its sights on promoting halal tourism in the country, particularly to visitors from the Middle East.

Hawzah News Agency-Since the turn of the century Chinese and other east Asian tourists have begun arriving in increasing numbers and now Jakarta is targeting Arab Muslim visitors to boost its tourism sector further.

According to Indonesia’s ministry of tourism, approximately 10.5 million people travelled to the country last year, generating about $12.4bn for the economy. The average visitor stayed for 8.5 days and spent $1,190.

However, the tourism sector still remains vastly underdeveloped.

In addition to increasing tourist numbers from traditional markets, Indonesia has also initiated a strategy particularly targeting Muslim visitors.

This move comes on the back of the global halal tourism boom. Also called family-friendly tourism, halal tourism is aimed at creating conditions conducive to attracting a pool of visitors from the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims. The primary source of these visitors include residents of predominantly Muslim OIC member countries, such as the GCC states. Demand also exists from regions with fast-growing Muslim populations such as the European Union, the US, Canada, China and India.

The Indonesia tourism ministry has this year designated at least 10 provinces as halal tourist destination regions, including several in Java and two in Sumatra (West Sumatra and Aceh).

The country has to develop its halal tourism destinations as these have the potential to attract foreign tourists, particularly those coming from the Middle East, according to Oneng Setya Harini, assistant deputy for people empowerment and destination management of the tourism ministry.

"We will encourage and develop Aceh and West Sumatra to become halal tourism destinations. The two provinces have more attractiveness and various tourist sites," Ms Harini says.

The blueprint includes the development of a set of halal standards that outline how key industry players (hotels, travel agencies and tour guides) can prepare and cater for Muslim visitors.

Another aspect Indonesia is keen to highlight is that halal tourism is designed not only for Muslims but also for non-Muslims. "There is still a misunderstanding about halal tourism and some people think it is meant for Muslims only as all things must be based on Sharia," says Burhasman, the head of tourism and creative economy office of the West Sumatra province, who like many Indonesians, goes by one name.

According to Tazbi, the deputy assistant of business and market development at the ministry of tourism, halal tourism is a universal concept "which includes serving healthy food, providing clean accommodation and ensure good hospitality".

"It is suitable for all people."

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