Brazil is increasingly attentive to the needs of Muslim tourists visiting
the country, aiming at offering a great experience, while respecting
their culture. It is the so-called halal tourism, which has had high
attention from the authorities and the tourist industry.
Ahlul Bayt News Agency (ABNA): Brazil is increasingly attentive to
the needs of Muslim tourists visiting the country, aiming at offering a
great experience, while respecting their culture. It is the so-called
halal tourism, which has had high attention from the authorities and
the tourist industry.
This month, Embratur (Brazilian Tourist Board) participated in the 1st
edition of the Global Halal Brazil Business Forum, held by the Arab-
Brasileira Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Muslim
Associations of Brazil (Fambras Halal).
Embratur's Manager, Claudine Bichara, attended the discussions
about the lifestyle of the Islamic population, known for its high levels
of excellence and added value. "Halal products and services cover a
wide range of sectors and represent a great opportunity for Brazilian
companies," said Bichara.
The halal market respects the lifestyle of the Islamic population and
is valued at $4.8 trillion. Approximately 1.9 billion consumers (24.5
per cent of the global population), mainly from Arab, European and
Asian nations such as Indonesia, India and Malaysia, are included in
this segment.
Issues such as the correct time for prayers, hygiene requests, the
need to be directed to Makkah when praying, fasting during
Ramadan, among other points are considered when working with
this type of tourist. Halal-certified hotels also have prayed carpets
and no alcohol in the minibar.
"These are details that do not generate great adaptations for those
who receive, but that make all the difference for Muslims," Bichara
said.
Already within this scenario of opportunities, the city of Foz do
Iguaçu, in the state of Paraná, is expected to become the first city to
earn halal certificate in Latin America. The certification is under
negotiation and will indicate that the city is friendly for the Arab-
Muslim population. The main changes will be made in hospitality,
services, and gastronomy sectors.
Among these procedures is, for example, the availability in hotels of
reserved and well signed spaces aimed at Makkah and the offer of a
copy of the Quran in the accommodations.
There are also aspects related to food. Meat served to the Arab
people must come from animals slaughtered in accordance with
halal standards in certified slaughterhouses. And pork consumption
is prohibited.
In addition to meeting with the protocols, one of the main touristic
places of Foz do Iguaçu is the Omar Ibn Khattab Mosque, considered
the largest mosque among all of Latin America.