In an effort to promote Muslim-friendly tourism, the Center for Conformity Certification (QUACERT) and the National Halal Certification Center (HALCERT) have partnered with the Quang Ninh Tourism Association to conduct a survey assessing local hotels' compliance with Halal standards. This initiative commenced just 20 days after the signing of a collaboration agreement between the parties on October 22, 2024, during the International Halal Conference, which was attended by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Science and Technology.

Exchanging ceremony of cooperation document between QUACERT and Quang Ninh’s Tourism Association

This collaboration marks a highly positive step in the development of the Halal industry overall and, more specifically, in the growth of Muslim-friendly tourism in alignment with Vietnam government’s vision. Only 20 days after the agreement was signed, a survey delegation led by Mr. Tran Quoc Dung, director of QUACERT, with the participation of Mr. Ramlan Bin Osman, director of HALCERT, and Ms. Vu Thi Hanh, Vice President of the Tourism Association and President of the Quang Ninh Hotel Association, along with representatives from both QUACERT and the associations, arrived in Quang Ninh to implement the initiative on the ground.

The delegation conducts a survey of the accommodation areas in participating hotels

The delegation carried out a survey on Muslim-friendly tourism standards at nine major hotels in Ha Long, including prominent names such as The Yacht, DeLaSea, Paddington, Hoang Gia Ha Long, and Muong Thanh Center... The primary goal was to assess the infrastructure and service levels in alignment with national standards TCVN 14230:2024 and TCVN 12944:2020, which cover food and services for Muslim-friendly tourism.

The delegation meets with hotel representatives

Survey results: Great potential but also challenges

The survey revealed that many hotels in Quang Ninh demonstrate a high level of readiness, with infrastructure aligning with Halal tourism standards. Five-star hotels, in particular, were noted for their willingness to provide dedicated prayer spaces, personal saunas, swimming pools, and separate kitchens for Halal food preparation. Some hotels also committed to installing additional facilities and creating dedicated spaces specifically to accommodate Muslim guests.

The delegation conducts a survey of the accommodation areas in participating hotels

However, the survey also identified several significant challenges, including limited sources of Halal food, a lack of specialized Halal personnel, and the need to improve staff understanding of the Food Safety Management System (FSMS). Addressing these issues will be essential if Quang Ninh aims to become an appealing destination for Muslim tourists.

Many hotels meet the required infrastructure standards

Quang Ninh has the potential to become a Muslim-friendly destination

Overview of the survey’s concluding meeting

At the concluding meeting following the survey, attended by Ms. Nguyen Huyen Anh, Director of Quang Ninh’s Department of Tourism, and Mr. Nguyen The Hue, President of Quang Ninh’s Tourism Association, QUACERT and HALCERT emphasized Quang Ninh’s significant potential, citing its natural advantages, developed infrastructure, and excellent transportation connectivity. With its majestic landscapes, thriving tourism industry, and investment-friendly policies, Quang Ninh is well-positioned to attract Muslim visitors from the Middle East, particularly with greater interest and support from Muslim countries.

Leaders of Quang Ninh’s Department of Tourism and Tourism Association at the concluding meeting

These views were fully supported by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Association, both of which expressed readiness to assist participating hotels in implementing the program.

Future direction: Attracting investment into Halal industries and expanding the supply chain

Besides the survey team and leaders from the Department of Tourism and Tourism Association, the meeting was attended by representatives from several member hotels (left side).

To sustainably develop Muslim-friendly tourism in Quang Ninh, QUACERT and HALCERT proposed several practical solutions:

1.      Attract Muslim labor and establish a Halal food supply network to foster trust among guests and ensure compliance with Halal standards.

2.      Train staff on culture and standards to enhance satisfaction among Muslim tourists visiting Quang Ninh.

3.      Establish a Halal Executive Board and develop standardized processes for each department, providing specific guidelines to ensure seamless operations.

4.      Evaluate and certify facilities that meet Halal standards to build a reliable and welcoming image for international visitors.

Mr. Tran Quoc Dung (center), head of the delegation, outlined these strategies and future directions to develop Muslim-friendly tourism in Quang Ninh.

Following the meeting, Mr. Ramlan Bin Osman shared: “To realize this potential and turn opportunities into growth, these strategies must be implemented in a synchronized manner, requiring deep involvement from all stakeholders, including the provincial People's Committee, Department of Tourism, Tourism Association, the public, and above all, the tourism businesses themselves seeking to tap into this promising market.”

Mr. Tran Quoc Dung also emphasized: “The collaboration between QUACERT, HALCERT, the Department of Tourism, and the Tourism Association will expand business opportunities for Vietnamese companies within the Halal supply chain, creating favorable conditions to attract direct investment from Muslim-majority countries, ultimately contributing to comprehensive economic and cultural development.”

The survey team takes a commemorative photo

Hong Quan – Vietnam Certification Center (QUACERT)