Young Muslims travel for a purpose. Through stories, photos and videos, they shape the contemporary and future of Halal travel. Three young Muslim travellers and content creators shared their perspectives at the bi-monthly dialogue of the HaSIM (Halal, Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism) forum on 24 October 2026. The event titled “We Travel, We Create, We Inspire!: Young Muslim Travellers and Creators for Halal, Sustainable and Inclusive” was hosted by Associate Professor Hera Oktadiana of the Trisakti Institute of Tourism Indonesia, an adjunct academic at Griffith University and James Cook University Australia, and Elyn Hastriana, Director of the RAMA Group.
Insights from Ferrani Investia
Ferrani Investia, a travel content creator and user researcher, pointed out that promoting Halal travel involves more than just discussing or reviewing Halal food. Travel content should showcase mindful and ethical travel by sharing information and tips on how to support local small businesses, respect sacred place, appreciate local customs and cultures, minimise waste, promote eco-friendly and inclusivity. Moreover, travel is about making cross-cultural connections.
“In creating content, I love capturing real moments: the cityscapes, the landscapes, and especially the people. By sharing genuine interactions with locals, we show that travel is all about connecting with different cultures. When we show ourselves listening to local stories, participating in cultural workshops, or respecting local customs, we can inspire our audience to travel with curiosity rather than simply as consumers. Share the story of the local family who runs the restaurant, the history of the neighbourhoods, or how local traditions align with Islamic values such as community, hospitality, and respect”.
Insights from Auliya Maimun Merdekawati (Dea)
Auliya Maimun Merdekawati (Dea), a K-Wander Creator under the Korea Tourism Organisation in Jakarta, Indonesia, argues that content can be helpful for Muslim travellers to learn and better understand about diverse traditions in other countries. Through content, she wants to tell people that we can enjoy and experience the country we visit not only as travellers but also from a local perspective.
“I received much feedback from audiences that they can enjoy the country like the locals did through my travel content. That’s why I keep creating content. As a Muslim traveller, I especially want to encourage Muslims to travel and not hesitate to explore the world they want to know besides their country”.
Insights from Ilyas Bin Ismail
Ilyas Bin Ismail, a halal travel advocate and marketing manager at eHalal, mentioned that social media is a powerful tool to share travel content because one video can reach thousands or even millions of people. Ilyas also believes that travel content should help people travel responsibly.
“As a travel content creator in Japan, I believe our responsibility is not only to show beautiful places, good food, and interesting experiences but also to educate and inspire people on how to travel responsibly through our stories and visuals.”
In addition, Illyas stated that as Muslims and global citizens, we have responsibilities to protect the environment, as indicated in the Qur’an Surah Al-A’raf (7:56) – “And do not cause corruption on the earth after it has been set in order.”
Messages for Young People
The three panellists leave messages for young people about how they can make a positive difference through travel and social media.
Ferrani asks young people to travel with noble intentions and create travel content with a purpose.
“In today’s digital landscape, social media gives everyone a powerful platform. You don’t need massive followers to make an impact. Every video, photo, or caption you share contributes to how people view different cultures and communities.
When you travel, look beyond the surface level or the trends. Seek out meaningful connections, ask questions, and practice mindfulness. And when you post online, focus on authenticity rather than just aesthetics. Use your content to bridge gaps, build empathy, and foster understanding. Every single story you craft has the power to inspire someone else to travel more respectfully, sustainably, and inclusively.”
Dea encourages young individuals to be courageous to travel to broaden perspectives and to maintain positive attitudes and open minds.
“Be brave to travel and share the positive sides of other countries and the things you have never seen before. By travelling, we can gain so much new perspective. If you want to travel but are not brave enough, just do it! If your gut says, ‘Let’s travel!’, that means there are already stories waiting for you in another country. And always keep an open mindset and believe that you can have amazing experiences in every country you visit.”
The message from Ilyas for the young people is to create content that brings beneficial impacts. A meaningful post can influence others to do something good, even if it is just a simple message. He believes that social media should not be used only to show places we have been. It should serve as a platform to share what we have learned and inspire others to do good.
“You do not have to be famous to make a difference. You just have to start with what you have. We do not need expensive equipment or millions of followers to create an impact. We can start by sharing useful information, supporting local businesses, respecting different cultures, and encouraging responsible travel. We may not change the whole world, but we can change someone’s perspective, and sometimes, that is where positive change begins.”
Conclusion
Finally, all panellists agree that travelling is not only about enjoyment but also about being a khalifah or steward of the earth. Social media is beneficial for inspiring people to make small but meaningful changes when travelling, thus creating a positive impact. A hadith of Prophet Muhammad (Sahih Muslim 1893): “Whoever guides someone to good will have a reward like the one who does it.”
Author
Hera Oktadiana, Ph,D, CHE is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Griffith University and James Cook University, Australia, a tourism academic and researcher affiliated with the Trisakti Institute of Tourism, Indonesia, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Brawijaya, Indonesia.
Her research interests include Halal tourism, Muslim tourists, tourist behavior, tourism sustainability, and tourism education, and she has published widely in international tourism journals. Her forthcoming book, to be published by Channel View Publications, is entitled Halal and Islamic Tourism: Exploring the Landscape and the Muslim Travellers’ Journey.
