Farm Stays or Countryside Stays are creating jobs and revitalizing local businesses in depopulated rural areas.
Why is Halal recommended for farm stays that bring sustainable growth to the region?

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has been promoting “Nou-Haku (farm stay)” to generate profits and employment in rural areas. Nou-Haku is a type of travel, which visitors stay in farming-fishing villages to enjoy local food, culture and more during your stay.
It also recommended adding Muslim inbound services to the initiative.

One of the reasons why farm stay is beneficial to the region is the increasing time spent by tourists in the area. In the past, direct sales shops in rural areas were the only form of transit tourism. Limiting the benefits gained by the region. By adding overnight stays, the time tourists spend in the area will extend. Increasing the facilities and services they use, bringing more benefits to the entire region, including local businesses.

To attract visitors, it is a must to provide attractive experiences unique to the region. It includes lodging experiences of local resources, such as farmhouses or old houses. Unique meals using local ingredients, agriculture, forestry, fishing, nature and culture experiences.

Broadening the target audience is also crucial to attract more tourists. Attracting tourists from overseas will not only expand the market, but also make them feel more attracted to the region through cultural differences.

Regions have their sights on Muslims, who account for a quarter of the world’s population. The Muslim inbound market has been growing dramatically in recent years, drawing global interest.
Islamic countries dominate the most popular travel destinations for Muslims. There are certain foods that Muslims are not allowed to eat (e.g. pork, alcohol), and they need to secure praying spaces. Muslims tend to travel to places where there are many Muslims without having to worry on eating and praying.

According to the Global Muslim Travel Index 2019, Japan’s Muslim Travel Index is ranked 25th in the world. Japan is ranked third among non-Muslim countries in terms of safety and infrastructure.

Japan has becoming more and more halal and Muslim-friendly. With the number of visitors have been on the rise year by year before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Japanese rural communities can enter this promising market by responding to Muslim inbound tourism. The influx of tourists is a great opportunity for local businesses to engage in new businesses. New jobs can be created as accommodations and experiences require manpower. Promoting farm stay with Muslim inbound services, has the potential to bring profits and employment to the region. Thus, leading to a sustainable growth.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) has various support to regions engaged in farm stays.
For more information, please visit the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF).

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