Developing Da Nang into a destination friendly to Muslim tourists.

Key Drivers for the Formation and Expansion of the Halal Ecosystem

Da Nang has been implementing a wide range of initiatives to build its image as a Muslim-friendly destination, gradually meeting international Halal standards in terms of cuisine, services, and visitor experiences. Across the city, there is a growing number of food service establishments catering to Muslim travelers.

These include approximately 40 Halal and Indian restaurants specifically serving Muslim guests; more than 10 establishments that have obtained official Halal food certification; over 100 vegetarian restaurants; and more than 500 seafood restaurants offering menus and service styles compatible with Muslim requirements. In addition, many hotels and restaurants have adjusted their menus to better serve Middle Eastern and CIS markets, featuring Halal dishes alongside European–Asian cuisine and BBQ options.

Over the past decade, major international events such as the Asian Beach Games 2016 (ABG5), the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week 2017, and the Southeast Asian Student Sports Games 2024 have provided Da Nang with valuable experience in welcoming and serving Muslim visitors. At the same time, the city possesses significant potential in food production, seafood, and distinctive local products (OCOP), which can be exported or directly supplied to Muslim tourists.

In 2025, Da Nang implemented multiple promotional and market development measures to attract Muslim tourists from key markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and the Middle East. These efforts were closely linked with the exploitation of direct and charter flight routes from these four high-potential markets.

“With its strategic location, high-quality services, safety, hospitality, abundant raw materials (seafood, OCOP products), tourism workforce, infrastructure, and diverse tourism, entertainment, and resort facilities, Da Nang is fully capable of ensuring adequate supply and services for Muslim tourists and developing a comprehensive Halal tourism ecosystem,” emphasized Mr. Tán Văn Vương.

At the seminar “Da Nang – A Muslim-Friendly Tourism Destination” held on December 12, Mr. Tán Văn Vương, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that the National Scheme on Halal Industry Development to 2030, approved by the Prime Minister on February 14, 2023, has become a key driving force in shaping and expanding the Halal ecosystem, with Halal tourism identified as one of the priority sectors for strong development.

Recommendations and Cautions

Mr. Vương further noted that the number of Muslim tourists visiting Da Nang is projected to continue rising sharply in 2026. Anex Tour and Crystal Bay plan to launch additional direct flights from the Russian Federation and CIS countries to Da Nang, with an expected frequency of approximately 70 flights per month, equivalent to around 10,000 visitors per month—nearly double the figure for 2025.

The proportion of four- and five-star hotels serving this market segment is also expected to increase to 70–80 percent. This expansion would enhance reception capacity, diversify high-end tourism products, and accelerate market restructuring toward higher-spending visitor segments.

“In the context of Halal tourism emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments globally, I firmly believe that with coordinated efforts from state management agencies, proactive engagement by businesses, and strong community support, Da Nang can become a Muslim-friendly and sustainable tourism destination in the near future,” Mr. Tán Văn Vương affirmed.

However, Associate Professor Dr. Đinh Công Hoàng from the Institute for South Asian, West Asian and African Studies (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences) cautioned that the number of restaurants in Da Nang holding internationally recognized Halal certification remains very limited, and menu offerings lack diversity. Most establishments operate spontaneously or merely claim to be “pork-free” without proper verification, which may create hesitation among discerning Muslim travelers.

He also highlighted the shortage of prayer rooms (Musalla) in public spaces, shopping malls, and entertainment areas. Although Da Nang International Airport has a Muslim prayer room, it has not been widely promoted. The city also lacks a comprehensive information support system tailored to Muslim visitors.

“Service staff generally lack sufficient understanding of Islamic culture, including Ramadan practices, prayer times, and dietary regulations. Misconceptions between ‘Halal’ and ‘pork-free’ remain widespread. There is an urgent need for specialized training programs to avoid unnecessary cultural violations, such as inappropriate service practices or attire,” Associate Professor Dr. Đinh Công Hoàng warned.
Source: Vietnam Enterprise Magazine