Lanka focuses on Halaal tourism
Two day conference highlights benefits:
Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI
Sri Lanka could be a hub for the Halaal industry in South Asia like
Malaysia in the South East Asia region Tourism Promotion Minister Faizer
Mustapha said.
Speaking at the inaugural Halaal Conference and Exhibition 2010 at
Galadari Hotel yesterday he said the concept of Halaal Tourism extends
far beyond the hotel industry. Restaurateurs, transport providers,
healthcare services, retailers and many other industries will benefit
from the phenomenal growth that has been witnessed in this market
segment.
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Tourism Promotion Minister Faizer Mustapha at an exhibition
stall inspecting a food item with the members of All Ceylon
Jamiyyathul Ulama who organized the conference and exhibition.
Picture by Geeth De Mel |
“The Government has recognized the immense potential in this area and
has made a concerted effort to develop the industry for Sri Lanka to
compete more effectively in the global marketplace.
The ramifications would cut a positive swathe over a wider spectrum
of society - from the farmer providing agricultural produce for the
hotel industry to the corporate CEO formulating a strategy to use Halaal
as an “engine for growth”, the theme of this event,” Minister Mustapha
said.
He said the timing of the conference is very apt as his Ministry has
specially targeted the Middle-Eastern traveller and the results of the
efforts can already be seen.
“It is imperative that the country is geared to meet the challenges
that lay ahead, especially in terms of meeting the needs and
expectations of tourists that are becoming more discerning.”
“The country has to be cognizant of the competition for such tourists
from various other countries and to be proactive in this regard,” he
said.
The term Halaal is not the exclusive domain of the Muslim community.
Over 90 percent of the Halaal industry worldwide is actually owned by
non-Muslims.
“This fact is reflected at this very event, in which the plethora of
sponsors and exhibitors are a true reflection of the multi-cultural
society,” he said.
The Minister hoped that the hotels can follow suit to target the
Halaal-conscious traveller with greater confidence in Sri Lanka’s
ability to cater to their needs.
“I would like to reiterate here that hotels becoming more Halaal-friendly
does not mean catering to the needs of Muslims alone,” he said. |
