It is forecasted that by 2030, tourism spending from the Muslim market will reach 341.1 billion USD/year. This is considered a potential tourist stream for Vietnam tourism in general and Quang Ninh in particular. Therefore, Quang Ninh proactively grasps the trend, takes the lead in developing Muslim-friendly tourism, promoting tourism as well as preparing conditions to attract this special tourist stream.
At the end of May, Ha Long University coordinated with the Institute of South Asian, West Asian and African Studies under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences to organize an international conference on “Developing Quang Ninh into one of the leading Muslim-friendly tourist destinations in Vietnam”. The initiative to organize the conference demonstrated the strong expectation and commitment of Quang Ninh province to promote sustainable development of Muslim-friendly tourism in Quang Ninh and the region.
The workshop assessed and analyzed in depth the issues of concepts, connotations, characteristics, models and factors affecting the development of Muslim-friendly tourism. At the same time, it pointed out the current situation, opportunities, challenges and prospects of Vietnam and Quang Ninh tourism in approaching and attracting the Muslim tourist market in particular and tourists who want to experience Halal tourism in general. From there, it identified domestic and international trends and experiences in developing Muslim-friendly tourism and lessons for Quang Ninh tourism.
The workshop is one of the evidences showing that Quang Ninh is constantly making efforts 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 initiative of the Quang Ninh provincial government and businesses in researching, connecting and expanding the Muslim tourist market. In particular, Quang Ninh has specific policies, guiding the tourism industry to develop this market. Some businesses in Quang Ninh such as hotels and restaurants have met the standards of the Muslim tourist market. This is a difference that shows the vision of the Quang Ninh tourism industry compared to other localities, affirming the position of the leading tourist center in the North and in the region.
In fact, Quang Ninh has all the conditions for tourism resources with beautiful and rich natural scenery and more than 600 relics and scenic spots, especially the World Natural Heritage Ha Long Bay. In addition, Quang Ninh possesses modern tourism and transportation infrastructure, ready to meet all the needs of the Muslim market. In addition, Quang Ninh is also the first locality in the country to sign a cooperation agreement with the Conformity Certification Center on implementing Muslim-friendly tourism standards. Previously, in November 2024, the Quang Ninh Tourism Association and the Conformity Certification Center (Ministry of Science and Technology) organized a survey program on "Muslim-friendly tourism" activities in Quang Ninh. The delegation surveyed 9 luxury hotels (4-5 stars) in the area, focusing on the kitchen area, restaurant; bedrooms; Other facilities of the accommodation: Swimming pool, gym, water park... serving Muslim guests.
The survey is the first step to concretize cooperation, gradually forming tourist facilities that meet the standards to welcome Muslim tourists in Quang Ninh. From there, Quang Ninh becomes the first locality in the country to implement the Halal Standards in the tourism sector, contributing to the development of the Halal industry, implementing the Project "Strengthening international cooperation to build and develop Vietnam's Halal industry by 2030" approved by the Prime Minister on February 14, 2023.
Mr. Ramlan bin Osaman, Director of the National Halal Certification Center shared: Last year, I visited Quang Ninh and when I returned to attend the International Conference "Developing Quang Ninh into one of the leading Muslim-friendly tourist destinations in Vietnam", I realized that Quang Ninh has changed a lot. The biggest change is in the awareness of the government and businesses. The Quang Ninh provincial government has proactively identified the Muslim market as one of the potential markets and encouraged businesses to explore this market. These are very positive changes to be ready to open a new phase, a new and attractive market for the Quang Ninh tourism industry. We are honored to continue to accompany Quang Ninh province to perfect the standards to welcome Muslim visitors, overcome limitations and difficulties to develop this market in the future.
Catch up with world travel trends
Halal tourism or Muslim-friendly tourism is a type of tourism that complies with Islamic regulations on food, accommodation, transportation, entertainment and shopping. This is a trend that is growing strongly globally as well as in Vietnam. There are currently about 2.1 billion Muslims in the world. Each year, the amount of money they spend on shopping... is estimated at about 10,000 billion USD. Muslim tourists from the Middle East, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia... are high-class tourists with strong, stable finances and are willing to spend. Exploiting this type of tourist requires destinations, accommodation facilities or restaurants to arrange separate reception spaces, arrange them to suit their eating and drinking needs, strict religious habits, respect different religious rituals, and have reception times that do not overlap or overlap with other types of tourists.
Professor Augustine Vinh, Chairman and CEO of Stellar, commented: The transition of destinations from welcoming traditional guests to Muslim guests must be synchronized and precise down to every detail, especially requiring advice, training, inspection, and Halal certification from experts who have a deep understanding of the beliefs, religions, and lifestyles of Muslims. Once trust is achieved, guests will introduce each other, spread and share within the Muslim community. This is a long-term sustainable benefit that Quang Ninh tourism needs to aim for and take advantage of.
On February 14, 2023, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 10/QD-TTg approving the Project "Strengthening international cooperation to build and develop Vietnam's Halal industry by 2030", which identifies a number of key tasks including: Promoting trade and investment promotion in Halal products and services; supporting and connecting Vietnamese localities and enterprises with global Halal markets... In addition, the Vietnam tourism development strategy by 2030 has identified the need to focus on developing new, potential markets, including the Middle East and India markets...
Islamic tourism is a potential for sustainable tourism development, bringing many great opportunities as well as challenges to the tourism industry. For Quang Ninh, in parallel with exploiting the Muslim tourist market such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, India, the province is also aiming to exploit the Muslim market with high spending capacity, long-term tourism, especially focusing on the Middle East region.
Dr. Nguyen Duc Tiep, Rector of Ha Long University, said: In order to closely follow and catch up with the development trend of Halal tourism, in the coming time, Quang Ninh province is ready to build a development roadmap, in which priority is given to training high-quality tourism human resources to serve Muslim guests. We have connected with partners, especially training units, granting Halal certification to train students, as well as expanding connection 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 guests. At the same time, we will build a pilot service model to serve Muslim guests on campus for students to learn and for units to come and experience.
In addition to the efforts of businesses, Quang Ninh province also receives support and companionship from international organizations and units. Mr. Ali Akbar Nazari, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Vietnam emphasized: I have visited and surveyed a number of restaurants and hotels in Ha Long. Quang Ninh's tourism infrastructure is very good, even exceeding my expectations. If it is possible to promote and introduce Quang Ninh to the Muslim tourist market, this will certainly be an ideal destination. As 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 guests. Along with that, connecting Iranian businesses with Quang Ninh to attract Muslim guests, training human resources and implementing solutions to meet the standards of serving Muslim guests.
In 2024, Quang Ninh will welcome 19 million visitors, including 3.5 million international visitors with about 1 million visitors from Muslim countries, with revenue of nearly 2 billion USD. It can be said that Halal tourism is a potential market, bringing promising opportunities for the Quang Ninh tourism industry. The government, businesses and people are gradually perfecting the criteria, ready to become the leading Muslim-friendly tourist destination in Vietnam and the region.
Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/don-dau-dong-khach-hoi-giao-3360517.html
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