Thailand’s Halal Tourism Gets a Boost with the Launch of the “Halal Route” App

“Halal Route” App

Thailand is taking a significant step forward in making travel easier and more accessible for Muslim visitors with the launch of the Halal Route app, a comprehensive mobile application designed to support Halal tourism in the country. Developed by Chulalongkorn University’s Halal Science Centre, the app aims to provide Muslim travelers from around the world with detailed information about Halal-friendly services, helping them explore Thailand with ease and confidence.

A Tailored Solution for Muslim Travelers

The Halal Route app addresses the specific needs of Muslim tourists by offering reliable, user-friendly information about Halal-certified restaurants, accommodations with prayer rooms, and nearby mosques. The app is categorized by cuisine, ensuring that users can easily find Halal food options, no matter where they are in Thailand. Additionally, the app features a Qibla compass, daily prayer schedules, and an Islamic calendar to support travelers in adhering to their religious practices while on the go.

With a focus on inclusivity, the app supports Thai, English, and Arabic, ensuring accessibility for both local and international users. The app is available for free download on iOS and Android platforms, making it accessible to a broad audience of Muslim tourists looking to visit Thailand.

Supporting Halal Tourism Growth in Thailand

The launch of the Halal Route app comes at a time when Halal tourism is experiencing remarkable growth worldwide. According to WebinTravel, the global Muslim travel market showed strong recovery in 2023, with nearly 145 million Muslim travelers, reaching about 90% of pre-pandemic levels. This trend is expected to continue, with Muslim tourism set to grow by 5% annually and potentially reach 168 million travelers by the end of 2024.

By 2028, the number of Muslim travelers could rise to 230 million, with an estimated spending of US$225 billion. Despite Thailand not being a Muslim-majority country, the country is already a popular destination for Muslim tourists, and the Halal Route app is designed to make their experience more comfortable by solving common challenges, such as locating Halal food, prayer facilities, and appropriate accommodations.

Promoting a Comfortable Travel Experience

At theThailand Halal Assembly 2024 conference in Bangkok, representatives from Malaysia and Indonesia attended an interactive workshop to explore the app’s features and its potential to enhance the travel experience for Muslim tourists. Assoc. Prof. Winai Dahlan, Founding Director of the Halal Science Centre, emphasized that Thailand’s Halal tourism sector is expanding, particularly with the influx of medical tourists and visitors from Middle Eastern countries and neighboring Southeast Asian nations.

He stated, “The Halal Route connects Muslim tourists to trusted services, ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling journey. The app offers a one-stop solution for everything from Halal food to prayer time notifications, which helps travelers navigate Thailand with ease.”

Adding Value for Both Tourists and Businesses

For businesses in Thailand, the app provides an opportunity to tap into the growing market of Muslim tourists by offering services that meet Halal standards. The Halal Route app also includes navigation features using Google Maps, helping travelers easily find nearby Halal dining options, mosques, and accommodations.

Dr. Sapta Nirwandar, Chairman of the Indonesia Halal Lifestyle Centre, praised the app, noting, “This app is especially valuable in a non-Muslim country like Thailand. It helps travelers find Halal restaurants, mosques, and hotels with ease. It’s a great tool for both tourists and businesses.”

To further enhance the app’s value, Dr. Sapta suggested adding Muslim-friendly beach information and gender-specific facilities, which would make the app even more beneficial for Indonesian users and others seeking a more tailored experience.

A Comprehensive Travel Companion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Winai pointed out that the Halal Route app offers a complete package for Muslim travelers, from food recommendations to prayer time alerts and seamless navigation through Google Maps. The app also helps businesses meet the growing demand for Halal-compliant services, boosting Thailand’s reputation as a Halal-friendly destination.

As the Halal tourism sector continues to grow, innovations like the Halal Route app are set to foster trust and build stronger connections with Muslim travelers. This initiative not only makes Thailand a more accessible destination for Muslim visitors but also positions the IMT-GT region (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand) as a leading choice for Halal tourism in Southeast Asia.

In the words of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Winai, “As tourism grows, innovations like the Halal Route will continue to build trust and make the IMT-GT region a top choice for Halal travelers.”

With its thoughtful design and extensive features, the Halal Route app is set to become an essential travel companion for Muslims visiting Thailand, providing them with the tools they need to enjoy a smooth, enriching, and spiritually fulfilling experience in one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations.