Transforming Pasar Aceh into a halal tourism destination in Banda Aceh

Abstract Halal tourism policy is developing in the City of Banda Aceh by the regulations of the Banda Aceh City Qanun Number 3 of 2022 concerning implementing Halal Tourism. Implementing this policy requires a destination to follow the values of Islamic law. Aceh has won several awards for Halal tourism, including World’s Best Airport for Halal Travelers and World’s Best Halal Cultural Destination from the World Halal Tourism Award 2016 in Dubai. Pasar Aceh has the potential to develop economic activities in the surrounding area and make Pasar Aceh a halal tourism destination, because of its strategic location and proximity to the Masjid Raya Baiturrahman. However, the development of Pasar Aceh area as a halal tourist attraction is not yet developed, as the accessibility, pedestrian ways, and arrangement of street vendors are still not safe and comfortable for users to use. Then the facilities and infrastructure in the form of street furniture, worship facilities, canteens, and toilets are also not yet available and are far from reachable. Eating places/restaurants are not yet halal certified in the research area. Recommendations focus on improving access, facilities, and services to align with halal tourism standards. The halal tourism indicators in this research are based on the standards put forward by the 2023 Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), namely Access, Communications, Environment, and Services. This research uses a descriptive qualitative research method. The research instruments used were interviews, field observations, and literature studies. The results of research based on observation studies and interviews according to Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), show that the Pasar Aceh area is “Not Good Enough”. Thus, this study generates recommendations for the arrangement of halal tourism destinations that align with the concept of local Islamic cultural characteristics in Banda Aceh.