Halal tourism is an emerging but growing concept in the global travel industry that meets the needs and concerns of millions of Muslim travelers around the world. This sector of tourism goes beyond simply providing halal food and includes all aspects of travel, from accommodations and recreational services to transportation and tours, all of which must be consistent with the principles and standards of Islamic Sharia. While halal tourism is recognized and developing as a competitive advantage and important economic opportunity in many countries, it seems that Iran, despite its unparalleled potential, has not yet been able to gain a worthy place in this global market.
Halal Tourism in the World: A Comprehensive Definition and a Growing Market
Halal tourism refers to trips where Muslim travelers can enjoy various destinations with the assurance of adhering to Islamic principles during their trip. These principles include:
Halal food: Easy and guaranteed access to Islamic slaughtered foods.
Worship facilities: The presence of mosques, prayer rooms in hotels and public places, and the possibility of observing prayer times.
Appropriate clothing and space: Providing private spaces for women, observing Islamic clothing in some places, and gender segregation in swimming pools and spa centers.
Halal entertainment: Providing recreational and entertainment programs that do not conflict with Islamic values.
Halal financial services: The possibility of using financial services in accordance with Sharia.
According to numerous reports from international organizations and research centers such as DinarStandard, the Muslim tourism market is growing rapidly and is expected to reach a value of approximately $380 billion by 2028. This growth is due to the increasing population of Muslims in the world, higher purchasing power, and their increasing desire for travel that is consistent with their religious and cultural identity. Countries such as Malaysia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Singapore, and even Japan and South Korea have quickly adapted to this need and provided the necessary infrastructure to attract halal tourists.
Malaysia and Turkey are pioneers in this industry and have been able to attract millions of Muslim tourists by offering comprehensive halal services, from halal-certified hotels and approved restaurants to city tours with prayer times and guides who are proficient in Islamic principles. The United Arab Emirates, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has also introduced itself as a luxury halal tourism hub. Even non-Muslim countries such as Japan and Thailand are trying to gain a share of this large market by creating infrastructure such as prayer rooms in airports and shopping malls, and increasing the number of halal restaurants.
Iran’s position in halal tourism: a huge potential and a missed opportunity
Iran, as an Islamic country with a predominantly Muslim population, has unparalleled potential to become one of the main halal tourism hubs in the world. These potentials include:
Rich Islamic background and culture: The presence of numerous religious and pilgrimage sites (Mashhad, Qom, Shiraz), historical mosques, and a culture rooted in Islamic teachings.
Abundance of halal food: Easy access to halal food throughout the country, which is one of the most important concerns of Muslim tourists.
Hospitable and co-religionist people: A society that is generally familiar with Islamic principles and can provide a sympathetic atmosphere for Muslim tourists.
Diverse natural and historical attractions: From deserts and mountains to sea and forests, as well as ancient and historical monuments belonging to ancient civilizations.
However, the reality is that Iran has not yet been able to gain a worthy place on the global map of halal tourism. The reasons for this can be examined in several dimensions:
Lack of definition of international standards and certifications: Unlike leading countries, Iran lacks a comprehensive and recognized system for providing halal certification in the tourism industry. This causes confusion and uncertainty for foreign agencies and tourists.
Lack of targeted marketing: Iran’s international marketing activities in the field of tourism have rarely focused on the specific market of halal tourism. There is a need to introduce Iran as a safe destination, with full halal facilities, and tailored to the needs of Muslim families.
Inadequate and inconsistent infrastructure: Despite the abundance of halal food, hotels and resorts often lack halal entertainment facilities and separate private spaces. Training staff in foreign languages and their familiarity with international customs also needs to be strengthened.
Misconceptions and mental stereotypes: Unfortunately, some misconceptions and media stereotypes about Iran prevent tourists (even Muslims). The need to introduce the true and beautiful face of Islamic Iran is felt more than ever.
Lack of companies active in the field of halal inbound tours: While companies like Halalgerd are pioneers in organizing halal outbound tours, there is a need to develop and support companies that organize inbound tours with halal standards for foreign Muslim tourists.
By focusing on halal outbound tours, the Halalgerd tourism group has taken an important step in identifying and meeting the needs of the religious segment of society. However, for Iran to play a more effective role in the global halal tourism market, government support and the creation of a more comprehensive ecosystem seem essential so that this valuable opportunity can become a stepping stone for further growth and prosperity of the Iranian tourism industry.