Croatia as a Halal Friendly destination was presented as part of the Malaysian international programme for the development of Halal Friendly tourism

Croatia as a Halal Friendly destination was presented as part of the Malaysian international programme for the development of Halal Friendly tourism. Croatia as a Halal Friendly destination is also a brand of the Centre for Halal Quality Certification and plays a key role in the development of halal tourism, which has recently been included in the tourism development strategy of the Republic of Croatia.

Alongside the Republic of Croatia, the programme was attended by representatives of the Ministries of Tourism from Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Maldives, Mauritius and the Philippines. The Centre for Halal Quality Certification received an award for the best presentation of a country, in this case the Republic of Croatia as a halal-friendly tourist destination. The closing of the programme was also attended by the Croatian ambassador himself, Mr Ivan Velimir Starčević, together with representatives of the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Arts and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassadors and high commissioners from Cambodia, Jordan, the Maldives and Mauritius also attended the event.

Malaysia, as one of the leading countries in the development of the halal economy, has also recognised the great potential of the halal tourism market. In the latest edition of the Mastercard-CrescentRating (Global Muslim Travel Index), Malaysia ranks in the high first place among 145 destinations in the 2024 study. With 230 million Muslim tourists expected to travel by 2028, this market represents a potential value of USD 225 billion in tourism spending. Through the practice of sustainable tourism, these benefits can be extended to all segments of society. The 5% increase in travel numbers will surpass pre-pandemic statistics, driven by demographic and economic expansion as well as the development of halal tourist destinations.

Key conclusions from the programme include:

*Embrace innovation

*Promote cultural understanding

*Focus on partnerships with local businesses and residents

*Become lifelong learners