A Projection of Halal Tourism: A Case Study of Pekalongan City, Indonesia

The purpose of this study is to explore the projection of halal tourism development in Pekalongan City. By using a qualitative approach, this research collects data with observation of the tourism spot, interview with the government and tourism agents, and documentation. The results of this study reveals several facts. First, Pekalongan has complete tourism spots for the past and present time, including shopping center, culture, religious destination, culinary, natural scenery, and special events. Batik, as a distinctive product of Pekalongan, along with its derivatives become a leading tourist attraction. Second, halal tourism in Pekalongan still needs support, including (1) contribution from the city government in issuing policies supporting halal tourism, in the forms of local regulations, organizing exhibitions, and others (2) adequate transportation, which has not been optimized. (3) sufficient religious facilities, which needs to be revitalized. (4) the need of increasing the numbers of sharia hotels (5) educated community in realizing halal tourism (6) the improved support of the entrepreneurs of creative industries. Third, to meet the Global Muslim Travel Index, there must be developing infrastructure, supported by the serious efforts from the government, tourists, and also the community. The government's serious efforts in developing the halal tourism will have an impact on government revenue, job opportunity, and public welfare, particularly for the tourism actors.