Halal tourism is booming: Da Nang and Hue as new destinations for Muslims!

Halal tourism is booming: Da Nang and Hue as new destinations for Muslims!

The Vietnamese cities of Hue and Da Nang have positioned themselves as new destinations for Muslim tourists. This was evident during a recent question and answer session at the Central Vietnam Tourism Introduction Program, attended by representatives from the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Agency and the Vietnamese Trade Office in Malaysia. The Vietnamese ambassador to Indonesia and the Indonesian travel agency association ASTINDO were also present. The tourism ministries of Hue and Da Nang cities presented their plans to develop halal tourism services specifically tailored to the needs of Muslim guests.

The main focus is to create a halal tourism ecosystem in the region that includes international halal standards, prayer rooms and religious facilities. The tourist highlights of Da Nang and Hue are characterized not only by their cultural identity and breathtaking nature, but also by a growing range of Halal-certified services, which should attract more and more Muslim travelers.

Strategic partnerships and flight connections

In the surrounding area, within 250 kilometers, there are three major airports, including two international ones. There are currently 35 flights per week from Kuala Lumpur to Da Nang, with a planned increase to 42 flights per week from October 2025. A direct connection from Jakarta to Da Nang is also planned. The Vietnamese ambassador to Indonesia highlighted the potential of these new air routes.

The Hue and Da Nang marketing campaign, launched on August 26, 2025, aims to position Vietnam as a leading destination for Muslim tourists in Southeast Asia. Tran Thi Hoai Tram, director of the Hue Tourism Authority, has identified Malaysia as an important market for the region. Last year, 230,000 Malaysian tourists visited the region, with 140,000 of them recorded in the first half of 2025.

Sustainable tourism and cultural offerings

Efforts to create a Muslim-friendly environment include improved hotel services in addition to Halal-certified restaurants. Visitors are offered unique and sustainable tours tailored to Muslim needs. Phua Tai Neng, secretary-general of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, praised the region's diverse tourism offerings and called for stronger promotional campaigns.

The cities of Hue and Da Nang offer a variety of UNESCO-listed heritage sites and scenic beauty that make them attractive destinations. Investments in infrastructure, including modern airports and luxury resorts, demonstrate a desire to appeal to a wide range of travelers. The initiative to promote halal tourism is seen as a strategic move to invest in this growing market.

In total, more than 20 tourism companies from Da Nang and Hue participating in the event hope to create new cooperation opportunities in the areas of MICE tours, wedding tourism, golf and halal product packages. Signs point to a promising future for halal tourism in central Vietnam and beyond.

For more details: Vietnam.vn | Hgbr.org