ISEF 2024 Strengthens Indonesia's Muslim Friendly Tourism Development

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana believes that the Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival (ISEF) 2024 will enhance Indonesia's position as a global Muslim-friendly tourism destination.

She shared this during her keynote speech at "The 6th International Halal Tourism Summit," part of ISEF 2024, held at the Jakarta Convention Center on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

"Today at ISEF 2024, we have a valuable opportunity to promote the halal industry and make Indonesia the top choice for Muslim travelers worldwide," said Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana.

In 2024, Indonesia will receive the award for "Best Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year 2024" from Mastercard Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index. This marks the second consecutive year Indonesia has earned this prestigious recognition, having received it in 2023 as well.

Additionally, Indonesia ranks as the top halal tourism destination globally, surpassing 140 other countries according to the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) in 2023. This achievement highlights the rapidly growing potential of Muslim-friendly tourism in Indonesia, with spending exceeding 200 billion USD. This figure is expected to rise as the global Muslim population is projected to reach 2.2 billion by 2030.

There are still significant challenges ahead that require effective and innovative strategies. Domestic halal industry players must be ready to compete with international halal producers who are actively trying to enter both the domestic and export markets.

To address this, key efforts include strengthening industry relationships, expanding markets, promoting halal exports, raising public awareness, and attracting investment in halal industrial areas.

"I hope Indonesia's halal tourism can contribute to the global economy. Together, let's enhance Indonesia's halal tourism and showcase our beautiful country as a paradise on earth," said Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana.

Rizki Handayani, Deputy for Industry and Investment at Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf, stated that even though Indonesia is a top destination for Muslim-friendly tourism, we should not become complacent. It is crucial for Indonesia's Muslim-friendly tourism sector to continually improve in terms of attractions, amenities, and collaboration among stakeholders.

"The most important thing is not how we have surpassed neighboring countries to become number one, but how we strive to improve ourselves based on the criteria evaluated in the Mastercard Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index," said Rizki Handayani, who participated as a speaker in the panel discussion at The 6th International Halal Tourism Summit.

Rizki believes that the 2 billion Muslim population worldwide presents a significant opportunity to promote Muslim-friendly tourism in Indonesia. It also encourages the development of local halal products, such as food and cosmetics.

During this event, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy launched the Basic Service Guidelines for Muslim-Friendly Tourism. This aims to develop destinations that can effectively meet the needs of Muslim travelers.

ISEF 2024 will take place at JCC from October 30 to November 3, 2024. It will serve as a platform for experts to discuss and realize ideas for advancing both national and international economies from an Islamic economic perspective.