Indonesia advances tourism through connectivity and halal certification

In Makassar, Vice Mayor Aliyah Mustika Ilham attended the opening of the Garuda Indonesia Sales Exhibition (GATF GUTF) 2026. The event, which runs from August 28 to 30, aims to strengthen connectivity and boost the travel and tourism industry in Eastern Indonesia through collaboration between the government, airlines, and the creative economy.

Separately, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism has identified the need to increase halal certification participation among non-MSME tourism sectors, specifically hotels and restaurants. While halal certification for MSMEs in tourism villages is provided free of charge, officials noted that strengthening the halal ecosystem for larger industries is essential to meeting the growing demand for Muslim-friendly tourism services.