Brazil wants to attract more tourists from Muslim countries
Brazil wants to attract more tourists from Muslim countries
Brazil, the world's leading exporter of halal beef, is trying to attract Muslim tourists and is taking a number of measures for this. This is reported by Arab News.
It is noted that the percentage of tourists coming to Brazil from Muslim countries is very small. In 2023, only 21,500 tourists from Arab countries visited Sao Paulo.
Sao Paulo state officials are interested in increasing their appeal to Muslim tourists, the report said.
"We have developed a Muslim-friendly tourist guide that includes information about mosques, Muslim consulates and tourist attractions in the region," said Ana Clemente, state tourism coordinator.
Secretary General Ali Zagbi of the International Halal Academy, which offers training on halal products and services , told Arab News that both the state of Sao Paulo and the Federal District, where the capital of Brazil is located, are working to become a convenient tourist destination for Muslims.
He added that São Paulo has a diverse population, including a centuries-old Muslim community and several mosques. "This is the main gateway to Brazil and the most important place for businessmen from the Islamic world," he said.
Today, tourists from the USA , Europe , Chile and Argentina make up the majority of visitors to São Paulo each year.
"However, the administrative center of São Paulo and rural areas have few attractions for Muslim tourists," he added.
Since the launch of the program, one of the leading hotels in São Paulo has received a Muslim-friendly certificate, and two more hotels are in the process of doing so.
"The adjustments needed are not too complicated, but some details are important, such as adding qibla stickers to rooms, removing alcohol from rooms for Muslim guests, and separating all pork from other items on the menu," explained Zgbi.
Installation of shower hoses for ablution in bathrooms, distribution of prayers , and distribution of copies of the Holy Qur'an are also important measures, he said.
"The main task is to make the guest feel at home. We need to know the differences and understand who these people are and their needs," Z a gbi said.
