top of page

Exploring Indonesia's Halal Tourism: Embrace Unique Opportunities in a Thriving Global Scene

iipcnewyork


Indonesia stands as a nation abundant in natural beauty and cultural richness, captivating global travelers with its myriad enchanting tourist spots. Cumulatively in 2023, international tourist arrivals reached 11.68 million, increasing by 98.30% from 2022.  Meanwhile, the number of domestic tourist trips reached 749 million, an increase of 11.99% (YoY). This reflects the growing appeal of Indonesia.


The significant growth in Indonesia's tourism industry is increasingly evident from various globally recognized achievements. Bali, one of the world's most popular destinations, was honored as the second most popular destination in the world in 2023 according to TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award. Known as the "Island of the Gods," Bali also ranked third among the world's finest islands, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage. Furthermore, Ubud, a cultural hub within Bali, received accolades as one of Travel + Leisure's Top 10 World’s Best Cities 2024. Beyond its natural treasures, Indonesia is also embracing the growing trend of halal tourism, further enhancing its appeal to a diverse global audience.


Halal tourism is a tourism concept designed to cater to the needs and preferences of Muslim travelers, offering services and facilities that adhere to Islamic principles. According to the Global Islamic Economy Report 2023, the halal tourism market is projected to exceed US$300 billion by that year, with annual growth expected to continue increasing.


According to salaamgateway.com, as reported in the State Of Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) 2023/24, muslim expenditure on travel reached $133 billion in 2022, marking a 17% increase from the previous year. It is projected to reach $174 billion by 2027 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. With the growing interest among Muslims in travel, halal tourism presents significant opportunities, especially in Muslim-friendly destinations, service providers, and hospitality businesses.


Indonesia, as the country with the largest Muslim population, naturally holds a competitive edge in developing halal tourism. With a growing number of Muslim travelers, particularly from Asian and Middle Eastern countries, there is an increasing demand for services and facilities that align with halal principles.


According to the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023, Indonesia secured the top position as the best destination for halal tourism worldwide, surpassing 140 other countries. This achievement marks an improvement from the previous year when Indonesia held the second position, while Malaysia ranked first. In 2024, Indonesia was once again honored as the Top Destination for Muslim-Friendly Tourism in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024.


One of Indonesia's prominent halal tourism destinations is Aceh. In 2016, Aceh received accolades as the World’s Best Airport for Halal Travelers and World’s Best Halal Cultural Destination at the World Halal Tourism Awards. Known for its strict implementation of Islamic Sharia, particularly in Banda Aceh, the provincial capital, Aceh has developed Muslim-friendly tourism infrastructure. This includes hotels and restaurants offering halal meals, along with knowledgeable tour guides catering to the needs of Muslim travelers.


The significant growth in demand for halal tourism services has created ample opportunities for developing Muslim-friendly tourism infrastructure. This ranges from constructing halal accommodations and dining establishments to enhancing transportation and recreational services aligned with Sharia principles. Consequently, Indonesia not only stands out as the most sought-after destination for halal tourism but also presents promising investment prospects for entrepreneurs and stakeholders in the tourism industry worldwide. This trend is poised to strengthen Indonesia's position as a leading global destination for Muslim travelers.


51 views0 comments

Comments


© 2024 by IIPC New York.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
bottom of page