JAKARTA – Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province is positioning itself to become the country’s premier destination for Muslim travelers, capitalizing on the rapidly expanding global halal tourism market. This strategic initiative represents a significant shift in Vietnam’s tourism approach, recognizing the enormous potential of catering to the world’s Muslim population.

The Growing Halal Tourism Market

Muslim-friendly tourism has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-expanding travel segments, driven by increasing demand from Muslim communities seeking destinations that accommodate their cultural and religious requirements. With Muslims comprising more than a quarter of the global population, this market presents substantial untapped opportunities for tourism development.

Quang Ninh’s Natural Advantages

The province brings considerable assets to this endeavor. Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh already enjoys international recognition as a premier tourist destination. The region benefits from sophisticated transportation networks, rich cultural traditions, and hospitable local communities, providing a solid foundation for expanding into new market segments.

International Conference Highlights Strategic Direction

In late May, Ha Long University partnered with the Institute for South Asian, West Asian, and African Studies from Vietnam’s Academy of Social Sciences to host an international conference focused on transforming Quang Ninh into a leading Muslim-friendly tourism hub. The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss implementation strategies and opportunities.

Diplomatic Support and Partnership Opportunities

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Kohdayar Marri, noted the province’s existing modern infrastructure and emphasized the importance of providing adequate prayer facilities, welcoming environments, and halal-certified dining options. He highlighted Pakistan’s experience in halal tourism development, given that over 95% of its population is Muslim.

Iran’s Ambassador, H.E. Ali Akbar Nazari, stressed that infrastructure alone is insufficient—success requires comprehensive human capital development. He advocated for extensive training programs covering hotel personnel, tour guides, and service providers to ensure proper understanding of Muslim customs and cultural needs. The ambassador also emphasized the importance of multilingual marketing campaigns targeting key Muslim-majority regions including Malaysia, Indonesia, West Asia, and Central Asia.

Iranian business communities have expressed readiness to collaborate with Quang Ninh in developing a complete halal tourism ecosystem, encompassing workforce training, certification processes, and joint marketing initiatives. Proposed cultural exchange programs include halal food festivals and tourism exhibitions to strengthen Vietnam-Iran relationships.

Preparation and Assessment

Quang Ninh began serious preparation nearly a year ago when officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Certification Center conducted comprehensive evaluations of nine four and five-star hotels in Ha Long. These assessments examined kitchen facilities, guest accommodations, and overall infrastructure to determine readiness for Muslim visitors according to halal standards. Several hotels and restaurants have already begun adapting their services to better accommodate Muslim guests.

National Policy Support

The initiative receives strong backing from Vietnam’s national government. On February 14, 2023, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 10/QD-TTg, approving the National Strategy on International Cooperation for Developing Vietnam’s Halal Industry through 2030. This landmark policy framework provides momentum for provinces like Quang Ninh to align economic diplomacy with tourism growth objectives.

Ambitious 2030 Vision

Quang Ninh has established ambitious targets for the coming decade. By 2030, the province aims to welcome 25.4 million total visitors, including 8.6 million international travelers. The development of Muslim-friendly tourism capabilities is expected to play a crucial role in achieving these objectives.

Economic and Cultural Impact

This strategic pivot toward halal tourism represents more than just market expansion—it reflects Vietnam’s commitment to cultural inclusivity and economic diversification. By accommodating the specific needs of Muslim travelers, Quang Ninh is positioning itself at the forefront of a global trend that combines religious sensitivity with economic opportunity.

The initiative also demonstrates Vietnam’s broader strategy of leveraging its natural assets and cultural heritage to capture emerging tourism markets. Success in this endeavor could establish a model for other Vietnamese provinces and contribute significantly to the country’s overall tourism industry growth.

As global travel patterns continue evolving and Muslim travelers seek destinations that respect their cultural and religious practices, Quang Ninh’s proactive approach positions the province to capture a significant share of this lucrative and growing market segment.

Original Article:

Halal Times. (2025, September 14). Quang Ninh Aims to Become Vietnam’s Leading Muslim-Friendly Destination. Retrieved from https://www.halaltimes.com/quang-ninh-aims-to-become-vietnams-leading-muslim-friendly-destination/