Halal tourism in West Sumatra

The Indonesia Ministry of Tourism will develop Halal tourism in West Sumatra, a province that has a potential for such a concept just as West Nusa Tenggara province, known for similar tourism.

“West Sumatra has a potential for Halal tourism development as culturally, it is known as a religious province,” the Deputy Assistant of Business and Government Market Segment Development, the Ministry of Tourism, Tazbir, said here on Saturday (April 2).

He explained that Halal tourism is a universal concept which includes serving healthy food, providing clean accommodation and hospitability. Therefore, all the people find it suitable.

“We want West Sumatra achieve a similar status as West Nusa Tenggara which has been awarded the Worlds Best Halal Tourism Destination award,” he said, adding that demand for Halal products is from the world community.

Tazbir remarked that during his visit to a religious area, the hotel where he stayed did not inform him about the direction of Qibla in the bedroom, while hotels in Singapore provide such a facility.

“Therefore, we need Halal standards for hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions,” Tazbir said.

He added that the Ministry will continue to push for a campaign projecting Halal tourisms great potential in Indonesia, especially in West Sumatra.

Nowadays, the concept of Halal tourism is being developed in Aceh, West Sumatra, West Nusa Tenggara, South Kalimantan and Gorontalo, he said.

Meanwhile, Head of Tourism Office of West Sumatra, Burhasman Bur, assessed that there were no significant obstacles to implementing Halal tourism in the province.

The tour players just have to follow the administrative procedures. For example, eateries will have to serve Halal meat certified by the authorities.

He said a regulation needs to be put in place supporting the implementation of the Halal tourism concept and improving services for the guests.