Halal Tourism to Promote Community’s Economic Growth: A Model for Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract

This study designs a halal economic model of tourism within the framework of Islamic sharia enforcement in Aceh to boost economic growth within community. This study used an expert system approach, which collects key data and information in the formulation of model design through interviews, questionnaires, direct observation, and synthesis of data in the field. A conceptual model of the development system included planning, analysis, design, verification, and validation; each was used to analyze the data. The present study suggests that the proposed formulation of the halal tourism model in Aceh must consider three key factors. First, the key principle of the halal tourism model industry is designed based on Islamic principles, the national legal foundations, and the local regulations. Second, the halal tourism industry is expected to address two important issues: halal certification in hospitality and gastronomy services and empowerment in amenity, human resources, and events. Third, it is also hoped that halal tourism management can focus on the object, marketing, industrial, and institutional developments. These three factors must be fully support by government policy and the Islamic finance industry. The present study is expected to provide essential, inclusive, and wide-ranging aspects for developing the halal tourism industry and encouraging community economic growth. This study also provides insights into how an inclusive conceptual framework can boost the halal tourism industry without defying its basic principles.