Makassar: The Tourism Ministry has set a target of achieving an increase of between 20 and 30 percent in halal tourism, particularly from the hotel and restaurant industry in 2019.
"We hope for an increase of some 20 to 30 percent from halal tourism," Secretary to the Tourism Ministry's Deputy in Charge of Industry and Institutional Development, Riwud Mujirahayu, stated here, Wednesday.
The ministry has established cooperation with various industry associations and universities to formulate the curriculum for halal tourism to be applied in the State Higher Education of Tourism (PTNP) in Indonesia.
Halal tourism holds bright business prospects, so the Tourism Ministry is currently developing several strategies for its development in Indonesia.
"Everything is arranged orderly, for instance, separate toilets for women and men, a convenient place for praying, and a special place for breastfeeding. These all come under halal tourism," she remarked.
Hamsu Hanafi, head of the Lombok Tourism Polytechnic (Poltekpar), noted that his school has been designated as a center of excellence for halal tourism by the Tourism Ministry.
Halal tourism has huge potential, as there are some one billion Muslims, particularly from the Middle East region, traveling every year.
"The market has existed. We just need to deliver expected satisfactory services. If they are satisfied, they will tell their friends. We aim for this," he added.
According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Indonesia recorded 15.8 million foreign tourist arrivals throughout 2018. The number increased by 12.58 percent compared to the previous year.
The country welcomed 1.41 million foreign tourist arrivals in December 2018. It increased by 21.43 percent compared to the previous month.
The room occupancy rate of star classification hotels in Indonesia reached an average of 59.75 percent in December 2018. It decreased by 0.44 percentage point compared to the previous month. (Antara)
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