Exploring Global Muslim-Friendly Travel: Jakarta’s ASTINDO Fair Highlights Halal Options in Destinations Like South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand, What It Means for Muslim Tourists

Published on December 2, 2025

The ASTINDO Muslim-Friendly Travel Fair 2025 in Jakarta marked a significant milestone in catering to the growing Muslim travel segment. Held by the Association of Indonesian Travel Agents (ASTINDO), the event focused on meeting the increasing demand from Indonesian Muslims for travel options that are aligned with their religious practices. With rising global interest in halal travel options, the fair highlighted not only Indonesian destinations but also global markets, showing that the Muslim travel industry is expanding well beyond OIC countries. The fair showcased an array of halal-certified services and travel packages, with Muslim-friendly dining, prayer facilities, and services becoming standard in a wide variety of international destinations.

ASTINDO Fair Brings New Opportunities for Muslim Travelers

The event saw the participation of 16 travel agents, three National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), and various related companies, including BCA and BCA Syariah, offering special payment promotions. This diverse gathering served as a platform for introducing halal tourism options from various parts of the world, which are now being catered to in a much more inclusive way.

Pauline Suharno, the president of ASTINDO, emphasized that the event aimed to connect local travelers with destinations that are increasingly prepared to serve this market. Non-OIC countries like South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Taiwan are now competing with OIC nations for this rapidly expanding sector. Their scores on the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI)—ranging from 52 to 66—reflect their growing commitment to providing services that meet Muslim travelers’ needs.

Cruise operators have also followed suit, with some now offering completely halal cruises. These cruises are fully equipped with halal food, Islamic-themed entertainment, and prayer facilities, ensuring that Muslim travelers can enjoy their journeys without compromising their religious beliefs.

The Rise of Muslim-Friendly Travel: A Global Shift

This year’s fair not only showcased traditional Muslim-friendly destinations such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia but also included more unconventional locations. Travelers can now look forward to tailored holiday packages to Japan, Western Europe, South Korea, and even South America. Many of these destinations are now equipped with Muslim-friendly hotels, and some have even begun offering exclusive Umrah and Hajj packages to meet the needs of religious pilgrims.

Among the exhibitors was Panorama JTB, which presented its Muslim Tour division. Since its launch in 2021, this division has consistently grown, responding to the strong demand for Muslim-friendly travel options. One of the highlights of their offering at the fair was a seven-day package to Sapporo-Hokkaido, which features direct charter flights and exclusive halal meals. According to Panorama JTB, the market for Muslim travelers in Indonesia is significant, and the company is committed to providing seamless travel experiences, including structured prayer arrangements and professional Muslim tour leaders.

What Should Muslim Travelers Know About This Emerging Market?

As Muslim-friendly tourism grows, travelers can expect a broader range of services and experiences tailored to their needs. Whether it’s halal food, prayer times, or Islamic-themed entertainment, more destinations worldwide are adapting to cater to this segment. For travelers looking for guidance, here are a few tips to enhance your travel experience:

1. Research Destinations: Ensure that the destination you’re traveling to offers halal food options and prayer facilities. Many non-Muslim-majority countries are now accommodating Muslim travelers, making travel more inclusive.
2. Explore Halal Cruises: For those looking to embark on a cruise, consider booking a halal-friendly cruise where everything from dining to entertainment is designed with Muslim travelers in mind.
3. Check Prayer Facilities: Most hotels and tour operators in Muslim-friendly destinations now offer prayer rooms and prayer times. It’s always a good idea to confirm these amenities in advance.
4. Book Packages Tailored to Muslim Travelers: Travel agencies like Panorama JTB now offer customized travel packages that include halal meals, prayer facilities, and even Islamic-guided tours. These are especially helpful for first-time travelers to countries with smaller Muslim populations.
5. Plan Your Trip Around Religious Events: Many destinations, such as Mecca and Medina, have specialized travel packages for Hajj and Umrah. Ensure that you plan your visit during peak seasons to make the most of these religious experiences.

The Future of Muslim-Friendly Tourism

Muslim-friendly tourism is expected to continue growing as more countries and businesses realize the economic potential of serving this global market. The ASTINDO Muslim-Friendly Travel Fair is set to become an annual event, offering travelers an excellent opportunity to learn more about the diverse halal travel options available worldwide.

As the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, Indonesia is leading the charge in advocating for this kind of travel. The country’s position at the forefront of this sector can help set the stage for other nations to follow suit, ensuring that Muslim travelers can explore the world without compromising their values.