The Thai-ASEAN Halal Tourism Association (TAHTA) continues to showcase the latest trends, products, and services in Islamic tourism and trade while fostering meaningful discussions on the challenges and opportunities within the halal industry in Thailand.

TAHTA President Aida Oujeh stated that the association’s goal is to make Thailand the number one non-OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) destination for Muslim tourists.

“Thailand must be the top choice among non-OIC countries for Muslim tourists. This is our goal in introducing the halal industry to the world.

“Moreover, the award we received at the Asia Islamic Tourism and Trade Expo (AITEX 2024), held recently in Malaysia, has inspired us to continue our efforts in promoting halal tourism,” she told Apa Khabar TV.

AITEX 2024 is one of the most anticipated events on the tourism calendar, attracting exhibitors from around the world. The event provides a platform for industry experts to showcase their work, share knowledge, and explore new opportunities in the global tourism landscape.

Notably, at the recent AITEX 2024, TAHTA received the ‘Outstanding Association of the Year Award,’ a significant recognition of the association’s contributions to the halal or Muslim-friendly tourism industry.

The award was given after a committee of experts assessed and recognized the exceptional capabilities of TAHTA’s committee and its network partners in the ASEAN region, who collectively strengthened the market and tourist attractions in Thailand’s tourism industry.

Additionally, the award aims to honor organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to the development and promotion of Islamic tourism, as well as those who have demonstrated innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to providing exceptional experiences for Muslim travelers.

Five tourism operators from Thailand participated in AITEX 2024, led by the Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Kuala Lumpur, Sirindhra Surakanit. The Thai Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur, Lada Phumas, was also present.

Starting next year, AITEX will be rebranded as the World Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (WITEX).

At AITEX, held from August 23 to 25, Thailand’s exhibition and promotional booth attracted the attention of 350 visitors, particularly from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia.

Aida further commented that the award also reflects TAHTA’s commitment to supporting and promoting Muslim-friendly travel routes in Thailand as well as in ASEAN countries.

“We are delighted that 23 companies from other countries have formed partnerships with local tourism operators to bring their tourists to Thailand.

“TAHTA remains committed to making Thailand a Muslim-friendly route,” she said, while expressing gratitude to TAT for their support.

She added that Thailand has significant potential to become a regional halal hub due to the abundance of raw materials needed to produce halal food, responding to the demand from many countries worldwide.

Aida noted that statistics show that from January to November 2023, Thailand exported halal food products worth approximately 217 billion baht, representing a growth rate of 2.6 percent compared to the same period the previous year.

“Currently, there are more than 15,000 halal food producers in Thailand, with over 3,500 restaurants. Thailand also has great opportunities to increase its halal exports to both Islamic and non-Islamic countries,” she said.