Anticipating the influx of Muslim tourists.

Be proactive and prepare the necessary conditions.

It is projected that by 2030, tourism spending from the Muslim market will reach US$341.1 billion per year. This is considered a potential source of tourists for Vietnam in general and Quang Ninh in particular. Therefore, Quang Ninh is proactively seizing this trend, taking the lead in developing tourism that is friendly to Muslims, promoting tourism, and preparing the necessary conditions to attract this special group of tourists.

In late May, Ha Long University, in collaboration with the Institute for South Asian, West Asian and African Studies under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, organized the international conference "Developing Quang Ninh into one of the leading Muslim-friendly tourist destinations in Vietnam." The proactive organization of this conference demonstrated Quang Ninh province's strong expectations and commitment to promoting sustainable, Muslim-friendly tourism development in Quang Ninh and the region.

The workshop provided an in-depth assessment and analysis of issues related to the concept, content, characteristics, models, and factors influencing the development of Muslim-friendly tourism. Simultaneously, it highlighted the current situation, opportunities, challenges, and prospects for Vietnamese and Quang Ninh tourism in attracting Muslim tourists in particular, and tourists seeking Halal tourism in general. From this, it identified domestic and international trends and experiences in developing Muslim-friendly tourism and offered lessons for Quang Ninh tourism.

Experts have proposed strategic solutions to help Quang Ninh solidify its position as a leading destination for Muslim tourists.

The workshop is one of the proofs that Quang Ninh is constantly striving to implement solutions to attract Muslim tourists. Associate Professor, Dr. Dinh Cong Hoang, Head of the Middle East and West Asia Research Department, Institute of South Asia, West Asia and Africa Studies, affirmed: "We highly appreciate the proactive approach of the Quang Ninh provincial government and businesses in researching, connecting, and expanding the Muslim tourist market. In particular, Quang Ninh has specific policies and orientations for the tourism industry to develop this market. Several businesses in Quang Ninh, such as hotels and restaurants, have already met the standards of the Muslim tourist market. This is a differentiating factor that shows the vision of Quang Ninh's tourism industry compared to other localities, affirming its position as a leading tourism center in the North and the region."

In fact, Quang Ninh possesses all the necessary tourism resources, with beautiful and diverse natural landscapes and over 600 historical sites and scenic spots, especially the World Natural Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. In addition, Quang Ninh has modern tourism and transportation infrastructure, ready to meet all the needs of the Muslim market. Furthermore, Quang Ninh is the first locality in the country to sign a cooperation agreement with the Center for Conformity Certification on implementing standards for Muslim-friendly tourism. Previously, in November 2024, the Quang Ninh Provincial Tourism Association and the Center for Conformity Certification (Ministry of Science and Technology) organized a survey program on "Muslim-Friendly Tourism" in Quang Ninh. The delegation surveyed 9 luxury hotels (4-5 stars) in the area, focusing on kitchens, restaurants; bedrooms; and other amenities of the accommodation facilities: swimming pools, gyms, water parks… serving Muslim guests.

This survey is the first concrete step in realizing cooperation, gradually establishing tourism facilities that meet the standards for welcoming Muslim tourists in Quang Ninh. From there, Quang Ninh will become the first locality in the country to implement the Halal standards in the tourism sector, contributing to the development of the Halal industry and implementing the "Strengthening International Cooperation to Build and Develop the Halal Industry in Vietnam until 2030" project approved by the Prime Minister on February 14, 2023.

The facilities at the hotels were highly appreciated by the survey team from the Quang Ninh Provincial Tourism Association and the Center for Conformity Certification (Ministry of Science and Technology).

Mr. Ramlan bin Osaman, Director of the National Halal Certification Center, shared: "Last year, I visited Quang Ninh for a survey, and upon returning to attend the international conference 'Developing Quang Ninh into one of the leading Muslim-friendly tourist destinations in Vietnam,' I noticed that Quang Ninh has changed significantly. The biggest change is in the awareness of the government and businesses. The Quang Ninh provincial government has proactively recognized the Muslim market as a potential market and encouraged businesses to explore it. These are very positive changes, ready to open a new phase, a new and attractive market for Quang Ninh's tourism industry. We are honored to continue working with Quang Ninh province to improve standards for welcoming Muslim tourists, overcome limitations and difficulties, and develop this market in the future."

Keeping pace with global travel trends.

Halal tourism, or tourism friendly to Muslims, is a type of tourism that adheres to Islamic regulations regarding food, accommodation, transportation, entertainment, and shopping. This is a rapidly growing trend globally and in Vietnam. There are approximately 2.1 billion Muslims worldwide. Each year, they spend an estimated $10 trillion USD on food and shopping. Muslim tourists from the Middle East, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and other regions are considered high-end, financially strong, and willing to spend. Attracting this group requires destinations, accommodations, and restaurants to provide dedicated reception areas, tailored to their specific dining needs and religious practices, respecting their unique beliefs and rituals, and ensuring that reception times do not overlap with or mix with other tourist groups.

Professor Augustine Vinh, Chairman and CEO of Stellar, stated: The shift of destinations from traditional tourist destinations to Muslim tourist destinations must be synchronized and precise down to the smallest detail. It particularly requires consultation, training, inspection, and Halal certification from experts with in-depth knowledge of the beliefs, religions, and lifestyles of Muslims. Once trust is established, tourists will naturally recommend the destination to each other, spreading and sharing within the Muslim community. This is a long-term sustainable benefit that Quang Ninh tourism should aim for and leverage.

On February 14, 2023, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 10/QD-TTg approving the Project “Strengthening International Cooperation to Build and Develop the Halal Industry in Vietnam until 2030”, which identifies several key tasks including: Promoting trade and investment in Halal products and services; supporting and connecting Vietnamese localities and businesses with global Halal markets… In addition, the Vietnam tourism development strategy until 2030 has identified the need to focus on developing new, potential markets, including the Middle East and India…

Locals and tourists experience Halal cuisine in Ha Long City.

Islamic tourism represents a potential for sustainable tourism development, offering both significant opportunities and challenges for the tourism industry. For Quang Ninh province, alongside exploiting the Muslim tourist market in nearby countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and India, the province is also aiming to tap into the high-spending, long-stay Muslim market, with a particular focus on the Middle East.

Dr. Nguyen Duc Tiep, Rector of Ha Long University, said: "Following and keeping up with the development trend of Halal tourism, Quang Ninh province is ready to build a development roadmap in the coming time, prioritizing the training of high-quality tourism human resources to serve Muslim tourists. We have connected with partners, especially Halal training and certification units, to train students, as well as expand opportunities for businesses to access this certification, thereby creating an ecosystem that meets Halal standards. We also prioritize developing a team of teachers and training programs suitable for Muslim tourists. At the same time, we are building a pilot service model to serve Muslim tourists on campus for students to learn about and for businesses to experience."

Besides the efforts of businesses, Quang Ninh province also receives support and cooperation from international organizations and units. Mr. Ali Akbar Nazari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Vietnam, emphasized: "I have visited and surveyed several restaurants and hotels in Ha Long. The tourism infrastructure in Quang Ninh is very good, even exceeding my expectations. If we can promote and introduce Quang Ninh to the Muslim tourist market, it will certainly be an ideal destination. As the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Vietnam, we are always ready to accompany and support the locality in sharing experiences in welcoming Muslim tourists. Along with that, we will connect Iranian businesses with Quang Ninh to attract Muslim tourists, train human resources, and implement solutions to meet the standards of service for Muslim tourists."

In 2024, Quang Ninh welcomed 19 million tourists, including 3.5 million international visitors, with approximately 1 million from Muslim-majority countries, generating nearly $2 billion in revenue. Halal tourism is a promising market, offering significant opportunities for Quang Ninh's tourism industry. The government, businesses, and local people are gradually improving the criteria, preparing to become a leading Muslim-friendly tourist destination in Vietnam and the region.

Hoang Quynh

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/don-dau-dong-khach-hoi-giao-3360517.html