OIC body SMIIC releases halal tourism standard

The Standards and Metrology Institute for the Islamic Countries (SMIIC) has released a standard for Halal Tourism Services.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) body said on Monday (Dec 6) that OIC/SMIIC 9:2019, Halal Tourism Services – General Requirements aims to ensure that products and services provided for Muslim travellers are in accordance with Islamic rules.

The standard sets out guidelines and requirements for managing halal tourism facilities, products and services for travellers in accommodation premises, tour packages, tourist guides and other services and facilities such as catering and restaurants.

Guidelines for accommodation premises are divided into three categories to capture those with different levels of services and are applicable for venues in both Muslim-majority and non-Muslim-majority countries, according to SMIIC.

“Therefore, the standard basically defines the requirements regarding Halal issues, food, accommodation and other facilities such as prayer rooms, recreational areas…etc. And the rules for tour operators and guides are also parts of the standard,” said SMIIC.

The Turkey-based organisation works to harmonise standards among the 57 member states of the OIC in the absence of a single standard used by all for the halal or other sectors.

The halal tourism standard is available from this link.

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