Indonesia Explores Future of Halal Travel at CNN-Hosted Event

The "CNNIndonesia Islamic Travel Connect 2026" was officially opened by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, at Mozaik Walk, Kota Kasablanka, Jakarta, on Wednesday (29/7). "By saying Bismillahiirrohmanirrohim, Islamic Travel Connect 2026 officially begins," said Irfan while opening the event with President Director of CNNIndonesia, Titin Rosmasari. Irfan stated that CNNIndonesia Islamic Travel Connect 2026 is not just an ordinary exhibition or travel fair. Instead, it is a collaborative platform that brings together industry players, regulators, and the public within one ecosystem to build the future of Indonesia's Hajj and Umrah ecosystem, as well as more professional, trusted, and sustainable halal tourism. He appreciated the concept of the event. "Hopefully, it will become a strategic space for us to expand public education, strengthen public trust in the industry, and open opportunities for collaboration and business growth," Irfan said. CNNIndonesia presents Islamic Travel Connect 2026, a collaborative festival that brings together the industry, regulators, and the public to build the future of Indonesia's Hajj and Umrah ecosystem and more professional, trusted, and sustainable halal tourism. CNNIndonesia Islamic Travel Connect 2026 runs from July 29 to August 2, 2026, at Mozaik Walk, Kota Kasablanka, Jakarta. Unlike general travel fairs, Islamic Travel Connect adopts a collaborative concept that brings together regulators, industry players, media, and the public in one ecosystem to drive the creation of a more professional, trusted, and sustainable Hajj and Umrah industry. Islamic Travel Connect serves as a strategic space to expand public education, strengthen trust in the industry, and open opportunities for collaboration and business growth. More than just an exhibition, this Travel Fair is a shared stage showcasing the industry's commitment to providing quality pilgrimage and halal tourism services. Various stakeholders are participating, including Umrah Travel Organizers (PPIU), airlines, hotel networks, Islamic financial institutions, insurance companies, financial technology (fintech) companies, and providers of various supporting services for pilgrimage travel. Furthermore, regulators, ministries, and various institutions involved in policy formulation and industry development are also involved to strengthen synergy between the government and business actors. Meanwhile, companies providing Muslim lifestyle products and worship equipment are also present to complete the public's needs within a series of activities. During its five-day run, Islamic Travel Connect 2026 will feature various agendas, including an exhibition showcasing products and services for Hajj, Umrah, and halal tourism, promotions of various superior programs from participants, and business-to-customer (B2C) sessions allowing the public to interact directly with pilgrimage travel organizers. The festival presents industry exhibitions, promotional activities, media amplification, and direct interaction between organizers and prospective pilgrims in an ecosystem that fosters education, trust, and business growth for Hajj and Umrah. Through this concept, visitors can not only obtain information about pilgrimage travel packages but also understand industry developments, the latest services, and various innovations that support the comfort and safety of worship. As a strategic medium among stakeholders, the festival also offers credible education, service transparency, and a platform for discussion on industry policies, regulations, and standardization. More than just an event, this festival serves as a venue for the convergence of ideas, partnerships, and business opportunities that drive the advancement of Indonesia's Hajj and Umrah ecosystem. More than just a promotional event, Islamic Travel Connect is also expected to be a forum that brings together ideas, expands networks, and encourages the birth of new collaborations among all stakeholders. This synergy is considered important to improve service quality, strengthen transparency, and create a healthier and more competitive Hajj and Umrah industry ecosystem. By bringing regulators, business actors, media, and the public onto one stage, CNNIndonesia Islamic Travel Connect 2026 is expected to become a strategic agenda that contributes to the development of the national Hajj, Umrah, and halal tourism industry, while strengthening Indonesia's position as one of the largest pilgrimage travel markets in the world.