Da Nang explores opportunities in Muslim-friendly tourism
DNO - The international seminar “International Experience and Potential for Halal Tourism Development in Da Nang” took place on October 27, bringing together more than 100 delegates, experts, and businesses to explore ways to attract Muslim travelers and diversify the city’s international visitor markets.
The seminar was jointly organized by the Institute for South Asian, West Asian and African Studies (ISAWAAS) under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy under the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Da Nang’s relevant departments.
In attendance at the event were Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi and Pakistani Ambassador to Vietnam Kohdayar Marri.
Major opportunities in the Muslim tourism market
According to the 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), international Muslim tourist arrivals reached 196 million in 2025, up more than 11.3 percent year on year. The figure is projected to rise to 262 million by 2030, with spending expected to reach US$310 billion.
In 2025, Da Nang welcomed approximately 17.3 million visitor arrivals, up 15 percent from the previous year, including 7.6 million international arrivals. However, the number of Muslim visitors to the city remains relatively modest.
Delivering a speech at the seminar, Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Anh Thi said Da Nang was well positioned to develop specialized tourism products, thanks to its infrastructure, accommodation network and diverse tourism resources.
Halal tourism is a promising direction that warrants thorough research and a systematic approach to development. Alongside attracting international visitors, developing this segment can also expand connections in trade, cuisine, and shopping.
Three key priorities for Halal tourism development
To translate this potential into tangible results, Da Nang plans to focus on three key priorities in developing Halal tourism.
First, the city will strengthen international cooperation and learn from overseas experience.
Second, it will gradually improve local service providers’ capacity to meet Halal standards.
Third, it will promote business connections and support enterprises in researching markets, developing products, and expanding international partnerships. Priority sectors include food, restaurants, accommodation, shopping, and support services.
According to Pakistani Ambassador to Vietnam Kohdayar Marri, Vietnam possesses considerable potential to develop this market. Greater exchanges of experience, he noted, would help localities better understand Muslim travelers’ needs and improve their capacity to serve them.
At the seminar, participants shared experiences in developing tourism products and services that are friendly to Muslim travelers from Malaysia, Singapore, and Pakistan.
Experts proposed measures to develop tourism products, train personnel and strengthen business connections, helping Da Nang build a sustainable Halal ecosystem.
Through the seminar, the city hopes to gain practical insights to guide the development of a suitable Halal ecosystem, diversify its international visitor markets, enhance competitiveness, and promote higher-quality, sustainable tourism growth.