W Nusa Tenggara To Be Sharia Tourism Destination

Mataram, W.Nusa Tenggara (Antara Bali) - West Nusa Tenggara province is preparing to become one of Indonesia's sharia tourism destinations, governor of West Nusa Tenggara TGH M Zainul Majdi said here Friday.

"We want to develop West Nusa Tenggara to become an Islamic tourism destination for all people, especially for families," he added.

According to the governor, the sharia tourism concept has not been adapted in Muslim majority countries. Yet such countries as Japan and South Korea have successfully developed sharia tourism, although their Muslim populations are a minority.

"We have great potentials to apply and develop sharia tourism concepts. This does not mean ignoring other non-Muslim tourists. We want to provide the best services so tourists can feel safe and comfortable when enjoying their travels, for instance by providing halal foods," Zainul said.

The governor noted that the provincial administration is preparing all aspects needed to develop sharia tourism in West Nusa Tenggara.

"In order to serve halal foods we have coordinated with the Ulema Council (MUI), religious organizations, religious figures, tourism business players, tourism guides, travel agents, and other parties," he added.

It is expected that all stakeholders, including communities, can promote sharia tourism in West Nusa Tenggara to both national and international markets.

"We hope we can attract more tourists to West Nusa Tenggara," Zainul said. (WDY)