What More Should We Discover about Halal and Muslim-friendly Tourism?

The 3rd International Halal (Muslim-Friendly) Congress in Izmir, Turkey, brought together leading voices from the halal tourism industry to share insights and explore innovative pathways. A standout presentation was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hera Oktadiana from James Cook University in Australia and Trisakti Institute of Tourism in Indonesia. Her speech, titled “What More Should We Discover about Halal and Muslim-friendly Tourism?” provided a thought-provoking exploration of the industry’s future.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hera Oktadiana brought a unique dual perspective to the discussion, combining her expertise from both Australia and Indonesia. She began by highlighting the rapid growth of halal and Muslim-friendly tourism, driven by the increasing global Muslim population and rising disposable incomes in Muslim-majority countries.

Expanding the Scope of Halal Tourism

Dr. Oktadiana emphasized the need to broaden the scope of halal tourism beyond traditional offerings. She urged stakeholders to explore new dimensions and cater to the evolving preferences of Muslim travelers. Key areas of focus included:

• Innovative Halal Services: Developing diverse halal-certified services, from gourmet dining experiences to luxury accommodations, that cater to varying tastes and preferences.
• Health and Wellness Tourism: Tapping into the growing demand for health and wellness tourism by offering halal-certified spa treatments, wellness retreats, and medical tourism options.

Dr. Oktadiana highlighted the critical role of technology in advancing halal tourism. She discussed the potential of mobile applications, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) in enhancing the travel experience. These technologies can provide real-time information on halal services, create immersive virtual tours of destinations, and offer personalized travel recommendations.

Dr. Oktadiana stressed the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in developing Muslim-friendly tourism. She called for comprehensive training programs for hospitality professionals to ensure they understand and respect the cultural and religious needs of Muslim travelers. This includes providing appropriate facilities such as prayer rooms, and halal food options, and ensuring privacy for female travelers.

Sustainability was a key theme in Dr. Oktadiana’s presentation. She emphasized the need for the halal tourism industry to adopt sustainable and ethical practices. This includes promoting eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local communities, and ensuring that tourism development aligns with Islamic ethical principles.

Dr. Oktadiana highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and government to drive the growth of halal tourism. She called for more research to understand the preferences and behaviors of Muslim travelers and to develop innovative solutions that meet their needs. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the industry can stay ahead of trends and continue to evolve.

Dr. Oktadiana concluded her speech with an optimistic outlook on the future of halal tourism. She expressed confidence that, with the right strategies and a commitment to innovation, the industry can achieve remarkable growth. She urged all stakeholders to embrace the opportunities presented by the expanding market and work together to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for Muslim travelers worldwide.

The presentation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hera Oktadiana at the 3rd International Halal Congress underscored a unified vision for the future of halal tourism. Her insights highlighted the importance of innovation, technology, cultural sensitivity, sustainability, and collaboration in advancing the sector.

As the global Muslim population continues to grow, the potential for halal tourism is immense. By implementing the strategies discussed at the congress, the industry can create inclusive and welcoming environments that cater to the unique needs of Muslim travelers. This not only benefits the travelers but also contributes to the economic growth and cultural richness of destinations worldwide.

The 3rd International Halal Congress provided a valuable platform for industry leaders to share knowledge and collaborate on innovative pathways for advancing Muslim-friendly tourism. With the dedication and commitment of stakeholders like Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hera Oktadiana, the future of halal tourism looks promising and full of opportunities.