Phuket Aims for Halal Holidays to Boost Breadth of Appeal

PHUKET: Resorts on Phuket will find it is no easy task to conform to the essential requirements of halal tourism, a major conference on the topic heard yesterday.

Representatives from 20 countries gathered at the Royal Paradise Patong for a two day seminar aimed at fast-tracking, as the meeting topic noted, Phuket Andaman Halal for Tourism 2012.
 
Although Phuket has made great strides in meeting the international requirements for halal food production, a halal hotel or resort is a dedicated project.

Alcohol, prostitution and massage by the opposite sex are banned, for example, and a segregated swimming pool has to be available so that Muslim female guests can bathe without being seen.

In-depth training in halal principles is required as a prelude to certification. Undeclared audits are carried out.

Given the rapid growth and prosperity of the Middle East and the spreading popularity of international travel that comes with wealth, it's likely that Phuket and the Andaman will benefit from a commitment to halal.

After all, about one-third of the region's population is already Muslim, albeit a highly tolerant group of long-time residents who have learned to live in harmony with neighbors of all religions and social mores.

Among the dignitaries at the gathering was Asean Secretary General Dr Surin Pitsuwan.

After two days of talks, delegates to the conference will join people from Phuket and surrounding regions in a two-night halal food festival at the Sanamchai park, opposite Phuket Provincial Hall in Phuket City, from 5pm on Friday and Saturday.

Sourced: phuketwan