HALAL STANDARDS, AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DA NANG CITY TO DEVELOP MUSLIM-FRIENDLY TOURISM

HALAL STANDARDS, AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DA NANG CITY TO DEVELOP MUSLIM-FRIENDLY TOURISM

On the morning of May 9, 2025, Quality Assuarance and Testing Center 2 (QUATEST 2) in collaboration with Da Nang’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the National Halal Certification Center, hosted a seminar titled “Guidance on Applying Halal Technical Requirements for Food and Beverage Businesses” in Da Nang.

Attendees of the seminar included leaders from Da Nang’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, QUATEST 2, the National Halal Certification Center, over 150 delegates from local tourism, food service, and training institutions, as well as journalists covering the event.

At the opening of the seminar, Ms. Ngo Thi Nhu Loan – Deputy Director of QUATEST 2 emphasized that the global Halal product and service market is expanding rapidly and presents a significant opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to grow their Halal offerings in Islamic countries.

Ms. Le Thi Ai Diep from Da Nang’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism highlighted the significant potential of Halal tourism and expressed hope for practical and creative ideas from the seminar to help Da Nang City develop a more Muslim-friendly tourism industry, particularly to meet the needs of travelers from the Middle East and other Islamic countries in the near future.

At the seminar, Halal experts from QUATEST 2 and the National Halal Certification Center also presented Halal products and services, outlined Vietnam’s management approach to the Halal sector, and introduced relevant national Halal standards for food, beverage, and Muslim-friendly tourism businesses such as:

• TCVN 12944:2020 Halal food – General requirements;
• TCVN 13708:2023 Good agricultural practices for Halal farm;
• TCVN 13709:2023 Halal animal feeding;
• TCVN 13710:2023 Halal foods – Animal slaughtering requirements;
• TCVN 14230: 2024 Muslim Friendly Hospitality Services – Requirements;

Mr. Ma Minh Tuan, Director of Halal Indrapura Restaurant in Da Nang, shared his practical experience in serving Muslim guests. He covered sourcing ingredients, food preparation zones, separate dining areas, menu design, staff attire, designated prayer spaces, and the importance of cultural understanding and hospitality toward Muslim customers.

The seminar sparked active discussions among delegates regarding the scope, requirements, and costs of implementing and certifying Halal standards in restaurants and hotels. Experts addressed these questions thoroughly.

The event also provided updated insights into the Muslim tourism market and Halal certification requirements, helping local food service businesses and educational institutions in Da Nang better understand and seize opportunities to attract Muslim tourists.

Following expert discussions on market potential and the benefits of Halal standards, the Da Nang branch of the Vietnam Ngoc Linh Ginseng Pharmaceutical Group signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Halal Certification Center. The agreement aims to implement and certify Halal standards in the production of food and cosmetics derived from ginseng.

In the near future, QUATEST 2 will continue collaborating with local authorities to expand Halal standard training and promotion across Central and Central Highlands provinces. The goal is to help organizations and businesses apply Halal standards in production and tourism services, supporting green, sustainable, and Muslim-friendly development.