The agreement marks the beginning of a partnership in several spheres of action to promote Halal tourism globally.
INNOVA TAXFREE, the leading independent tax-free operator in Europe, has reached a cooperation agreement with Halal Institute, the main certifying body in Spain, to promote Halal tourism through the launch of the on-line site Halal International Tourism (HIT). HIT was created with the aim of becoming the platform of reference for Halal tourism both in and outside Spain, provide Spanish tour operators the needed knowledge and tools to make the most out of the business opportunities offered by Halal tourism, and develop marketing and commercial activities aimed at the promotion of Halal tourism in and out of Spain.
The fast growth of the Halal tourism industry (8.5% yearly), together with the increasing importance of urban and shopping tourism, has been the origin of this partnership. Forecasts indicate that by 2020 spending associated to Halal tourism will reach 233.000 million USD and will represent more than 13% of the world´s total spending in tourism.
The outlook is especially attractive in Spain, the first country in which the initiative will be implemented, because it has all the necessary elements to position itself as one of the main Halal-friendly tourism destinations in the world: Andalusian cultural heritage, a rich and varied gastronomy, excellent tourism infrastructures, an outstanding climate, etc.