Exploring the Future of Halal Tourism

On April 15, Hà Nội hosted an international conference focused on the promising prospects of Halal tourism development in the capital. This significant event was jointly organized by the Hà Nội College of Commerce and Tourism, the Institute for South Asian, West Asian, and African Studies (ISAWAAS), and the Việt Nam Halal Certification Centre. The conference attracted around 150 participants, including diplomats, industry experts, and representatives from major companies, with notable attendance from the embassies of Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Iran, Palestine, and Turkey.

The Growing Global Trend of Halal Tourism

Trịnh Thị Thu Hà, the Principal of the Hà Nội College of Commerce and Tourism, emphasized the burgeoning global trend of Halal tourism, which is projected to reach a staggering value of $350 billion by 2030. With over 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, this market presents immense potential for growth, and Hà Nội must take proactive steps to tap into this lucrative sector. The college is committed to training and developing Halal service models tailored for local businesses, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the needs of Muslim travelers.

Hà Nội’s Untapped Potential

Despite Hà Nội’s rich array of tourism assets—including stunning landscapes, diverse cuisine, and robust infrastructure—its Halal products and services remain underdeveloped. The conference served as a vital platform for fostering collaboration among educational institutions, businesses, policymakers, and international partners, all aimed at transforming Hà Nội into a more Muslim-friendly destination.

Insights into the Halal Industry

(Photo: Vietnam News)

During the conference, speakers delved into global trends within the Halal industry, assessing the current status and opportunities for Halal tourism in Hà Nội. They also discussed the importance of training human resources to cater to this growing market. Ramlan Osman, Director of the National Halal Certification Centre, highlighted the necessity of training tour guides to understand Halal principles and effectively meet the needs of Muslim travelers. He noted that with the right improvements in infrastructure, human resources, and societal awareness, Việt Nam could become a prime destination for Muslim tourists.

The Growing Muslim Consumer Segment

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đinh Công Hoàng, head of the Middle Eastern and West Asian studies division at ISAWAAS, pointed out that the Muslim community represents one of the fastest-growing consumer segments globally. Hà Nội, as a cultural, economic, and tourism hub, attracts over 50,000 Muslim tourists annually. It is one of three cities, alongside HCM City and Đà Nẵng, selected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote Halal products on a trial basis. However, he acknowledged that local Halal services and the workforce supporting Halal tourism are still modest.

Launching a Halal Training Centre

At the conference, the Hà Nội College of Commerce and Tourism unveiled a Halal training centre and introduced a national-standard curriculum on Muslim-friendly tourism, marking a significant milestone as the first vocational education institution in Việt Nam to do so. The college also signed several cooperation agreements with both domestic and international partners to bolster Halal tourism development.

Understanding Halal Tourism

Halal tourism encompasses travel services specifically designed to meet Muslim needs, including Halal food, prayer facilities, and respectful hospitality. In 2023, the global Halal tourism market was valued at $266 billion, with projections indicating growth to $276 billion in 2024 and $350 billion by 2030. Muslim travelers, particularly those from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, are known for their high spending habits, with an estimated 160 million Muslims expected to travel in 2024, according to the Global Muslim Travel Index.

The conference on Halal tourism in Hà Nội marks a pivotal step towards unlocking the potential of this burgeoning market. With a commitment to training, collaboration, and the development of tailored services, Hà Nội is poised to become a leading destination for Muslim travelers. As the global Halal tourism market continues to expand, Hà Nội’s proactive approach could position it as a key player in this dynamic industry, enriching the local economy and cultural landscape.

Original Article:

Vietnam News. (2025, April 17). Halal tourism – a promising opportunity for Hà Nội. https://vietnamnews.vn/life-style/1716010/halal-tourism-a-promising-opportunity-for-ha-noi.html