Indonesia has been named as the world’s best halal tourist destination on Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2019, outclassing 130 destinations across the world.

Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara is among best halal tourist spots in Indonesia. (Photo: thejakartapost.com)

According to Mastercard-Crescent rating agency, Indonesia, along with Malaysia, was on the first place based on GMTI standard with a score of 78.

Crescent Rating CEO Fazal Bahardeen said that Indonesia is the only country which is the most aggressively to develop halal tourist destinations.

Indonesia has gradually improved its ranking from sixth in 2015, to fourth in 2016, third in 2017, second in 018 and first in 2019, he added.

In a bid to achieve the result, the country has adopted the Indonesia Muslim Travel Index (IMIT) which refers to GMTI standard. Besides, it has provided technical coaching and organised workshops for operators of 10 excellent halal tourist destinations in the country.

Director of Mastercard Indonesia Tommy Singgih said that the halal tourism market is one of the tourism segments that recorded the fastest growth in the world. Its contribution to the global economy is projected to jump 35% to 300 billion USD in 2020 from 220 billion USD in 2016.

The 10 best halal tourist destinations are Indonesia and Malaysia with a score of 78, Turkey (75), Saudi Arabia (72), United Arab Emirates (71), Qatar (68), Marocco (67), Bahrain (66), Oman (66), and Brunei Darussalam (65).

(Source: VNA)