TEMPO.CO, Padang - City of Padang is currently preparing the region to become a halal tourist destination since West Sumatera has become the standard of the world halal tourism spot in 2016.

Padang Mayor Mahyeldi stated that one of the considerations to make the region become a halal tourism spot is the presence of halal certified restaurants and hotels. He holds a list of 48 halal restaurants. Meanwhile, hotel managements have been instructed to support the halal tourism status.

The government has also worked together with business players and investors from Saudi Arabia and Qatar to develop a number of halal tourist destinations. They came to Indonesia in October until November of 2016.

Other than partnership offers from the Middle East, the government has also asked support from neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.

City of Padang Deputy Mayor, Emzalmi, said that the government has also asked support from the United States and Japan. “So far, the response has been positive since the halal concept has a clear direction,” he said.

West Sumatera tourism expert, Ian Hanafiah, views that the steps taken by the City of Padang in developing their tourism are on the right track, especially their steps in improving the facilities on the beaches. A number of facilities that has been built in the last couple of years can also support the maritime tourism in the region.

ANTARA