Shafaqna English- Thailand is stepping confidently into the global Halal tourism arena, showcasing its commitment to inclusive travel at the “Mega Halal 2025” exhibition, held from July 16–18 at BITEC Bangna. The event brought together government officials, tourism operators, and industry experts to highlight the country’s growing appeal to Muslim travelers—and its ambition to be a leader in this fast-growing tourism sector, according to Travel and Tour World.
The exhibition highlighted efforts to provide a more welcoming environment for Muslim visitors, while preserving Thai culture. Aida Oujah, President of the Thai-ASEAN Halal Tourism Trade Association (TAHTA), emphasized the importance of inclusivity: “Even non-Muslim business owners are now asking how to adapt to Muslim travellers. It’s not just about prayer rooms—it’s about the details, from bidets in bathrooms to gender-sensitive services.”
Oujah also noted that religious aspects are only a portion of the experience: “About 30% of the trip relates to spiritual needs. The rest—culture, attractions, food—overlaps with what any traveller wants.” This, she argued, makes halal tourism not a limitation, but an enhancement to Thailand’s overall tourism offerings.
“Halal certification” and “consumer trust” were also central themes. Dumrong Poottan, advisor to the Speaker of the National Assembly, stressed that only recognized authorities—such as the “Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University” and “CICOT”—should issue halal certifications. “Muslim travellers don’t just look at the name; they look for the halal symbol,” he said, calling out misleading practices in the market.
Sakarin Sadlah, a travel blogger and halal tourism advocate, raised concerns about counterfeit halal labels and proposed a local verification app similar to Japan’s “Halal Navi” to protect travellers and promote transparency.
Thailand is also eyeing India as a high-potential source market. Despite its large Muslim population, many Indian travellers still associate Thailand with nightlife, not Halal-friendly services. “We must change that image,” said Dumrong. “India’s growing middle class is ready for travel, and we want to be their first choice.”
Finally, the event explored the intersection of “Halal tourism and wellness”. Kusuma Kinglek, CEO of Aonang Princeville Villa Resort & Spa, explained how Thailand’s wellness-focused hospitality aligns naturally with Halal principles, offering a clean, healthy, and respectful travel experience for all.
With collaborative efforts between government, private sectors, and community leaders, Thailand is positioning itself not only as a destination of fun and food—but as a Muslim-friendly, culturally rich, and spiritually aware travel haven.
Source: Travel and Tour World