As the first ever Africa Halal Week wrapped this past Wednesday at the Westin Hotel in Cape Town, provincial officials hope the past week’s events and the partnership with the city will be the springboard to making the Western Cape more hospitable towards the growing Muslim tourist population.
The event was well attended by over 450 delegates from all over the world, particularly the Middle East and Africa, whose aims were to discuss tourism, trade and investment opportunities.
Host city Cape Town is of course a major world capital and tourist hotspot with its rich history and diverse population and cultural heritage. Although considered the fastest growing religion in the world, according to the General Household Survey of 2015 the Muslim population in South Africa amounts to only 1.9%, with the majority of Muslims residing in the Western Cape (5.3% of province), Gauteng (2.4%), and KwaZulu-Natal (2.0%).
Mayor Patricia de Lille said on Monday at the opening of the conference that ‘tapping into the Muslim travel market is not only about identifying a sector that has huge potential for growth, but […] to support the existing culture and businesses of the Cape Town community’.
A major aspect of this venture concerns, but is not limited to, ensuring easier accessibility to halal food options and extends to the entertainment and events industry and access to Sharia-friendly banking services. The event hosted up to 70 exhibitors from various culinary, lifestyle and modest fashion businesses and entrepreneurs.
Official Cape trade, tourism and investment promotion organisation Wesgro has been a big supporter and key partner in promoting the programme and its vision via their own film and media channels. As the programme drew to a close, CEO Tim Harris said that ‘Africa Halal Week has given us the opportunity to showcase to industry experts in the film sector what our city and province has to offer as a film destination’.
This hospitable gesture will likely open up alternative and halal-friendly entertainment and tourism markets for those visiting the famous wine region.
Featured photo from Suad Kamardeen on Unsplash
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