"We hope for an increase of around 20 to 30 percent from halal tourism," Mujirahayu, said here, Wednesday.
Makassar, South Sulawesi (ANTARA) - 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.

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Translator: NS Wardyah, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
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