Halal tourism in Turkey | Its current reality and future prospects

The Turkish Anadolu Agency indicated in its report the reality of the halal tourism sector in Turkey, and the high capabilities Turkey possesses to serve this type of tourism, which has recently witnessed great prosperity and demand, along with a clear desire to organize this tourism and strategic plans to develop it.

The Concept of Halal Tourism

The concept of halal tourism has gained the interest of a large segment of travel and tourism enthusiasts. However, it is necessary to point out the confusion that occurs when discussing halal tourism and the concept of religious tourism.

It is well known that religious tourism is a type of tourism that involves visiting religious sites specifically, whereas what is known as halal tourism is one of the types of tourism that requires not exceeding the boundaries and commands of religious laws, in terms of accommodation, food, and drink, and other related matters.

Halal Tourism | Interesting Figures

In this context, the agency quoted Mr. "Omar Akgun Tekin", a member of the advisory committee of the International Halal Tourism Association (IHATO), confirming Turkey's vital location and its great advantages due to its proximity to many Islamic countries whose residents aspire to tourist areas and facilities compatible with their culture and orientations.

Tekin also mentioned that he expects Muslims to make up about 26.5 percent of the world's population by 2030, with their number reaching 2 billion and 200 million people, saying: "This huge number shows the importance of Muslim consumer communities in all sectors, including the tourism sector."

In the same context, the 2019 International Muslim Travel Index report, prepared by the Singaporean research and consulting company CrescentRating, stated that 131 million Muslims traveled for holidays in countries other than their own during 2018, spending nearly $170 billion.

The aforementioned 2019 report also indicated that the number of Muslim tourists who spent their vacations outside their countries is expected to reach 180 million Muslims, with their total expenditures estimated at about $212 billion.

For more information on the same topic, read our article on Imtilak Real Estate titled: "Halal Tourism in Turkey.. Learn More"

Halal Tourism in Turkey

Turkey has achieved a very advanced position among tourism lovers from the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, as it possesses tourism conditions suitable for Muslims. Most Muslims consider it the preferred tourism destination after Saudi Arabia, as it is the most important religious tourism destination.

Turkish cities are distinguished by their breathtaking natural beauty, which has become famous all over the world. Among the most important tourist cities are: Istanbul, Trabzon—the favorite of Arab tourists—Sakarya, Antalya, and many other wonderful tourist areas.

In this context, Mr. Tekin explained that: "The concept of halal tourism can be applied to other types of tourism, such as medical tourism, by making any type of tourism compatible with Islamic law and Muslim beliefs."

So far, official institutions in Turkey have not defined specific concepts and regulations for halal tourism, nor have legal frameworks been established for it. Therefore, there is no official source for obtaining official statistics regarding this sector. However, the clear reality, as seen by the increasing influx of Muslim tourists to Turkey, is the best evidence of Turkey's preference as a tourism destination compatible with the commands of Islamic law.

In this context, Mr. Tekin clarified that research data from the International Halal Tourism Association indicate that there are 299 establishments in Turkey operating under the concept of Muslim-friendly hotels, of which 47 provide halal hotel services, and 252 hotels refrain from serving alcoholic beverages as they do not comply with Islamic rulings.

Tekin added, speaking about Turkey's richness in diverse tourism resources that enable it to take the lead in this field: "Hot climate countries, such as the Gulf countries, need winter tourism, which can be developed in Turkey to suit the concept of halal tourism. As for cold climate countries, such as European Union countries, Russia, and Central Asia, halal beach tourism services can be offered to their tourists in Turkey's warm waters and beautiful beaches."

Mr. Tekin stressed the need to prepare strategic plans for the development of halal tourism and to prepare plans to introduce this important type of tourism.

Edited by: Imtilak Real Estate^©

Source: Turk Press

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