REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesia has regained global recognition as a top destination for Muslim travelers, winning the “Best Muslim-friendly Destination of 2024" award from the Mastercard Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index. The award is the second consecutive time for Indonesia after a similar success in 2023.

In the GMTI 2023 report, Indonesia ranked top out of 140 countries as the world's leading halal tourist destination. The huge potential of Muslim-friendly tourism is increasingly promising, with a spending value of more than $200 billion, a figure projected to increase as the global Muslim population grows to 2.2 billion by 2030.

In an effort to strengthen Indonesia's position on the world halal tourism stage, Indonesia Sharia Economic Festival (ISEF) 2024 held at Jakarta Convention Center features The 6th International Halal Tourism Summit. Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana stated that ISEF is a strategic opportunity to introduce Indonesia's Muslim-friendly tourism potential to the world.

“Today, at ISEF 2024, we open a great opportunity to support the halal industry and make Indonesia a top of mind for Muslim tourists from different parts of the world,” said Menpar Widiyanti.

He also explained various strategies to achieve this target, such as strengthening industry partnerships, expanding markets, encouraging halal exports, and attracting investment to halal industrial areas. “Indonesia is ready to welcome Muslim tourists and become a paradise on earth for them,” he added.

On the other hand, Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, Juda Agung, stressed the importance of digital technology in driving the growth of Indonesia's halal industry. “Digital transformation not only improves efficiency, but also builds an open and fair ecosystem of halal products,” he explained.

With the high penetration of smartphones in the member countries of the OIC, digitization is expected to make it easier for consumers to access halal products and services in a practical and modern way.

ISEF 2024, which takes place from October 30 to November 3, 2024 at the Jakarta Convention Center, brings together halal industry figures, consultants, and business actors to discuss the achievements of the digital sharia economy, technological innovation, and collaboration to strengthen the halal digital ecosystem in Indonesia. This series of events also strengthens Indonesia's position as a major player in a sustainable and inclusive halal industry.

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