At an international conference held on May 30, Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Hanh underlined the importance of Halal tourism, noting that its development not only helps attract international visitors but also reflects Vietnam’s respect for cultural and religious diversity as well as evolving global consumption patterns.

Muslim tourists enjoy a tour of Ha Long Bay.

Halal tourism, which adheres to Islamic principles in areas such as food, lodging, transportation, entertainment, and shopping, is experiencing robust growth globally and gaining traction in Viet Nam.

The conference aimed to enhance understanding of Halal standards, explore tourism development opportunities tailored to Muslim travellers, and elevate Quang Ninh’s profile as a Muslim-friendly destination.

It also served as a forum for policymakers, businesses, and academics to share insights, discuss challenges, and devise strategies for building a resilient Halal tourism ecosystem. Over 90 scholarly papers on the subject were submitted.

Assoc. Prof. Dinh Cong Hoang of the Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) noted that more than 80% of provinces and cities in Vietnam have the potential to supply Halal-certified goods and services.

With its scenic landscapes, cultural richness, and world-renowned Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh is considered well-placed to tap into the growing Halal tourism market.

Dr. Bui Thu Thuy from Ha Long University and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Van Huy of VASS highlighted Quang Ninh’s leadership role in pioneering Muslim-friendly tourism in Viet Nam.

They stressed that this niche tourism model presents both a new growth avenue and a significant opportunity for local economic expansion. The experts called for a concerted national effort to develop a comprehensive Halal ecosystem and a cohesive development strategy.

The event also spotlighted Viet Nam’s national Halal development plan by 2030, approved by the Prime Minister in February 2023. The plan seeks to strengthen international cooperation and support Vietnamese businesses in integrating into global Halal supply and production chains, including Halal tourism.

Conference discussions focused on workforce development tailored to Halal tourism, investment promotion, and policy solutions to support Muslim-friendly tourism initiatives both in Quang Ninh and across the country.

Earlier on May 29, the National Halal Certification Centre (Halcert), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, awarded Quang Ninh’s first national Halal certification to Nam Kabab, a Middle Eastern barbecue restaurant in Bai Chay ward, Ha Long City, marking a key step forward in the province’s Halal tourism journey.

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