Northern Spain Unveiled as New Muslim-Friendly Tourism Hub at WITC 2024

The 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference (WITC) saw a significant highlight on its opening day with a presentation by Dr. Barbara Hayat Ruiz-Bejarano, Director of Fundación Las Fuentes and PhD in Islamic Studies from the University of Alicante. Her presentation introduced Aragon, a region in Northern Spain, as an emerging Muslim-Friendly Tourism (MFT) destination through the innovative Andalusi Medina Network project.

In her address, Dr. Ruiz-Bejarano shared that while most Muslim tourists associate Spain’s Islamic heritage with Andalusia, the historical impact of Islamic civilization in Northern Spain, particularly in Aragon, has been relatively overlooked. Aragon, once part of the Taifa kingdoms during the Al-Andalus period, offers a rich history and architectural legacy that includes more than 50 enclaves of Mudejar art and architecture, a unique blend of Christian and Islamic styles recognized as UNESCO World Heritage since 1986.

She emphasized that the initiative, led by the Andalusi Medina Network and supported by the Aragon Regional Government, aims to revitalize the region by showcasing this heritage to Muslim travelers. The project involves cataloging the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Aragon, training local businesses in Muslim-friendly practices, and offering seminars to tourist boards, agents, and the hospitality sector on the principles of MFT.

“Muslim travelers often identify Spain’s Islamic history solely with Andalusia. Through this project, we aim to broaden their understanding and offer a new destination steeped in Islamic cultural heritage in Northern Spain,” said Dr. Ruiz-Bejarano. She also noted that the project seeks to overcome existing challenges, such as limited connectivity in rural areas and a low level of English proficiency among local tourism operators, by providing training and mentorship to businesses.

Aragon’s strategy for 2024 includes a series of Halal and Muslim-Friendly Tourism seminars, while certification for local tourism operators and businesses is planned for 2025. The goal is to ensure that the region becomes a fully recognized MFT destination, offering both religious and cultural experiences. The pilot tour, scheduled for next year, will combine Aragon’s Islamic heritage with its natural landscapes, art, and architecture, offering visitors a comprehensive experience.

Dr. Ruiz-Bejarano also highlighted the broader significance of the initiative. “This project goes beyond just promoting tourism; it’s about creating a sustainable and inclusive destination that caters to the spiritual and cultural needs of Muslim travelers. By implementing Muslim-friendly standards and engaging local communities, Aragon can differentiate itself in the global Muslim tourism market, which is growing rapidly,” she explained.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to expand Spain’s presence in the global Muslim tourism market, which is expected to reach USD 225 billion by 2028. Aragon’s entry into this market is particularly timely, as global interest in Muslim-friendly travel continues to rise.

Delegates at the conference were excited by the potential for Northern Spain to become a unique destination for Muslim travelers, as it combines lesser-known Islamic history with modern travel amenities and scenic landscapes. The Andalusi Medina Network is positioning Aragon to benefit from the increasing demand for cultural and heritage tourism, both from Muslim and non-Muslim travelers alike.

With over 50 businesses already certified as Muslim-Friendly in Andalusia, Dr. Ruiz-Bejarano hopes that Aragon will soon follow suit, offering visitors an enriched travel experience that celebrates Spain’s diverse Islamic past. The project is also supported by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), which signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Andalusi Medina Network in 2023 to promote the initiative globally.

As Muslim-friendly tourism continues to expand, Aragon’s inclusion in the MFT landscape could set a precedent for other regions in Europe to explore and showcase their own Islamic heritage, ensuring that Muslim travelers can experience history, culture, and spirituality with ease and respect.

For more information, visit www.visitalandalus.org.