THE Indonesian westernmost province of Aceh continues to develop halal tourism in a bid to become a world-class tourism destination. Amid the increasing popularity of halal tourism, Aceh has become one of Indonesia’s emerging tourist destinations.
It has also won prizes in the National Halal Tourism Competition (KPHN). In September 2016, the province won three awards in the categories of Muslim Friendly Airport, given to Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport in Banda Aceh, as well as best Muslim friendly cultural destination, and best tourist attraction for Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.
Together with 12 Indonesian entities, Banda Aceh has been announced by the head of Indonesia’s halal tourism acceleration and development team, Riyanto Sofyan, to represent the country to compete for the World Halal Tourism Awards (WHTA) 2016, in two categories: Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport, Banda Aceh — World’s Best Airport for Halal Travelers and World’s Best Halal Cultural Destination.
Firmly confirming the title of the ultimate Halal tourism destination of the world, Indonesia dominated the World Halal Tourism Award 2016 by winning 12 awards out of the total of 16 categories, two categories of which were from Aceh. The winners were announced at the awarding ceremony held on Dec. 7, 2016, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
With intensive promotion, Aceh province is ready to receive one million foreign tourists from different countries in the well-known Weh Island in Sabang District in 2017.
The Government of Indonesia has ambitious goals in increasing the number of Muslim tourists by 2019. International recognition for Indonesia’s development of this sector is also growing.
The Sofyan Hotel Betawi (located in Jakarta) won the Best Halal Hotel award during the 2015 World Halal Travel Summit in Abu Dhabi. With only 14 award categories in total, Indonesia collected three awards in total.
Lombok (one of the 12 nominated Muslim-friendly provinces) was rated Best Halal Tourism Destination and Best Halal Honeymoon Destination. Concerted efforts by the community and local operators here have made Indonesia’s prominent halal tourism hotspot. — SG
