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Halal tourism has considerable potential in Padang City, supported by the religious character of its communities, culinary heritage, and growing tourist arrivals. However, service readiness remains limited due to low halal certification coverage, insufficient local regulation, and weak stakeholder coordination. This study aims to assess the conditions and gaps in halal tourism development, map the roles of pentahelix actors, and formulate development strategies for Padang City. A descriptive qualitative design based on document analysis was employed. The study population comprised relevant documentary sources, with units of analysis selected for their relevance, including previous research, official statistics, regulations, and news reports from 2024–2026. Secondary data were collected through document searches and reviews in October 2026. Analysis involved data reduction, data display, conclusion drawing, mapping of the five pentahelix actors, and SWOT and TOWS analyses, supported by source triangulation. The results show a large and growing market (5.47 million visits in 2019, 98.4% domestic) and strong religious and culinary assets, yet readiness remains low: only 4 of 138 restaurants held halal certificates, no city-level halal tourism regulation existed, and all Global Muslim Travel Index perception gaps were negative, with the largest gaps in environment and accommodation. The pentahelix actors are present but fragmented, led by government and business while academia, community, and media are under-utilised. Five strategic pillars are proposed: (1) regulation and a pentahelix coordination forum, (2) accelerated halal certification and service standards, (3) research, monitoring, and human-resource development, (4) community empowerment based on local wisdom, and (5) integrated promotion through media. Halal tourism development requires structured pentahelix collaboration and supportive local policies. These findings provide strategic recommendations requiring field validation and updated data.
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Marvidola et al. (2026) studied this question.
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