Prospects of Halal Tourism in Bangladesh: A review of Halal Tourism guidelines by Bangladesh Tourism Board

Abstract

The Bangladesh Tourism Board (BTB) plays a pivotal role in promoting Bangladesh as a halal- friendly destination through its structured Halal Tourism Guideline 2022. This report critically examines BTB’s strategies, focusing on halal food provisions, prayer and wudu facilities, gender- segregated amenities, and marketing initiatives. The study evaluates BTB’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities to enhance its halal tourism impact, based on a survey of 100 Muslim respondents and a review of the guideline.BTB has successfully leveraged Bangladesh’s Muslim-majority population and Islamic heritage, with 77.1% of respondents recognizing widespread halal food availability and 71.4% highlighting mosques and shrines as key attractions. Affordable halal services and cultural alignment further strengthen appeal, as 97.1% agree halal food is essential for travel choices. However, prayer and wudu facilities remain inadequate, cited by 60%, with 17.1% dissatisfaction in cleanliness and availability. Limited gender-segregated amenities concern 57.1%, and marketing efforts are rated effective by only 51.4%, hindering outreach to global Muslim travelers. To address these gaps, the report recommends infrastructure enhancements for prayer & wudu facilities, national halal certification for hotels and restaurants, expansion of gender-segregated recreational areas, and AI-driven digital platforms like apps for halal locators and Ramadan schedules. Strengthening staff training, social media campaigns, and partnerships with influencers are also critical for boosting awareness and satisfaction. By implementing these strategic improvements, BTB can strengthen its halal tourism presence, attract a broader Muslim audience, and position Bangladesh as a competitive destination in the global halal market. The findings suggest that with a data-driven and adaptive approach, BTB can significantly enhance engagement with Muslim tourists and drive sustainable growth in the country’s tourism sector.