In Capture with Love, MICE manager of KTO Jakarta Akhmed Faezal Alhamdi said, “Those who like photography will get tips to find good angles. Korea is a haven for photographers, what with numerous breathtaking landscapes, but if you don’t quite get how to capture them, the results can be ordinary,” Akhmed said during the opening ceremony.

The public’s initial response to Muslim Friendly Korea Festival 2020 was positive, resulting in registration closing early due to the fully booked schedule. “The number of participants who registered reached more than 500 people per day – starting on the first day,” said Akhmed.

Muslim-friendly tourism

Muslim-friendly tourism has grown annually, as shown by the improvement of facilities for Muslim travelers in Korea. The East Asian nation has seen an increase in places of worship in shopping areas, restaurants, hotels, airports and other tourist destinations.

Byun Jung Sup, director of KTO Jakarta, said that the Muslim Friendly Korea Festival was the main theme of the Korea Travel Fair, an annual event that last took place in September of 2019.

“The purpose of holding this year’s festival is to convey the message that Korea remains committed to the development of its Muslim-friendly tourism and that Korea is always waiting for Indonesian Muslim tourists to come back, of course after this gets better,” Byun said.

Muslim-friendly tourism is a growing segment of the global travel industry. Here are some current global trends in Muslim-friendly tourism:

1. Halal Tourism is on the Rise: Halal tourism refers to travel that adheres to Islamic principles, including halal food, prayer facilities, and accommodations that respect Islamic beliefs. This type of tourism is becoming increasingly popular, especially in countries with large Muslim populations.
2. Increasing Demand for Female-Only Spaces: Many Muslim women prefer to travel in female-only groups or stay in accommodations that offer female-only spaces. This demand has led to the development of hotels and resorts that cater specifically to women travelers.
3. Digital Platforms for Muslim-Friendly Travel: The growth of digital platforms has made it easier for Muslim travelers to plan and book trips that align with their beliefs and values. There are now many apps and websites that provide information on halal food, prayer facilities, and other Muslim-friendly travel options.
4. Rise of Muslim Millennial Travelers: The Muslim millennial population is one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry. This demographic is interested in travel experiences that reflect their values and beliefs, and they are more likely to seek out halal food and prayer facilities when traveling.
5. Greater Awareness of Cultural Sensitivities: As the Muslim travel market continues to grow, there is a greater awareness of the need to respect cultural sensitivities. Many hotels and travel companies are now offering training programs to staff to ensure they can provide a welcoming and respectful environment for Muslim travelers.
6. Growth of Halal Tourism in Non-Muslim Countries: Halal tourism is not limited to Muslim-majority countries. There is a growing demand for halal tourism in non-Muslim countries, such as Japan, Australia, and Spain. These countries are increasingly catering to Muslim travelers by offering halal food and prayer facilities.
7. The emergence of Muslim Travel Influencers: Muslim travel influencers are gaining popularity on social media platforms, such as Instagram and YouTube. These influencers are showcasing their travel experiences and promoting Muslim-friendly destinations, accommodations, and activities.