“This event serves as momentum to strengthen partnerships, exchange ideas, and open new opportunities to collaborate on developing Muslim-friendly tourism and the global halal ecosystem,” said Masruroh, expert staff member to the minister for digital transformation and tourism innovation.
In a statement cited here on Sunday, she noted that the international forum brought together tourism industry professionals, umrah and hajj travel agents, associations, investors, buyers, and foreign government representatives from June 26 to 28.
Masruroh underscored IIE 2026 as an event built on evident growth in Muslim tourists globally, which encourages countries to seize emerging opportunities by providing quality services, offering authentic tourism experiences, and creating an inclusive environment for all.
She expressed confidence that Indonesia holds vast potential to emerge as a key player in halal tourism by leveraging its cultural wealth, natural beauty, gastronomic strengths, and hospitality.
Indonesia has demonstrated a strong commitment to quality tourism, she added, as evidenced by it being ranked the world’s second-best Muslim-friendly tourism destination in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2026.
“This achievement is the result of cooperation involving the government, industrial actors, public members, and international partners in improving the quality and competitiveness of Indonesia’s tourism ecosystem,” Masruroh remarked.
She further emphasized the Tourism Ministry’s commitment to boosting destination and service quality and accessibility while deepening collaboration with relevant stakeholders to help Indonesia keep pace with global markets.
Highlighting the expo’s economic impact, Masruroh said IIE 2026 is expected to expand business networks and generate tangible benefits for sectors including hotels, restaurants, transportation, creative industries, and micro, small, and medium enterprises.
“This forum strengthens international partnerships that lay the foundation for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable tourism sector,” she stated.
The ministry projected IIE 2026 would surpass last year’s edition, which featured 120 exhibitors from 15 countries, attracted 3,877 buyers and 22,802 visitors, and generated Rp105 billion (nearly US$6 million) in transactions.
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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
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