Jakarta (VNA) - Indonesia is leveraging its strengths to develop a Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem in a bid to capture a larger share of the global Muslim travel market, which is projected to reach 262 million trips by 2030.
Masruroh, Expert Staff for Digital Transformation and Tourism Innovation at the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, said the steady growth in Muslim travelers worldwide presents a major opportunity for Indonesia to expand its share of this fast-growing market.
Muslim-friendly tourism extends well beyond the availability of halal food, it also includes transportation, accommodations, proper sanitation, and prayer facilities that allow travelers to observe their religious practices comfortably throughout their journeys, she said.
According to Masruroh, Indonesia boasts strong advantages in developing the sector as the country is home to 11.3% of the world's Muslim population, 17% of Asia's, and 86% of ASEAN's. Nineteen provinces have Muslim populations exceeding 90%, providing a solid foundation for tailored tourism products.
Indonesia currently ranks second globally in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), behind Malaysia, based on indicators including access, communication, environment, and services.
Masruroh added that geopolitical developments have also reshaped travel patterns. In response to reduced flight connectivity from the Middle East due to geopolitical tensions, Indonesia is shifting its promotional focus toward nearby regional markets, including Malaysia, Singapore, and East Asian countries.
To strengthen its competitiveness, Indonesia plans to accelerate halal certification for hotels and restaurants, upgrade tourism infrastructure and raise public awareness of Muslim-friendly tourism standards.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), tourism contributes around 4–5% of Indonesia's GDP. The government has identified Muslim-friendly tourism as a strategic segment to diversify source markets, attract more international visitors and promote sustainable growth in the years ahead./.
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