MARCH-APRIL 2023 | 03
APAC NTOs maintain global leadership in providing Muslimfriendly online resources
ISLAMIC TOURISM NEWS
ISLAMIC Tourism Centre ( ITC ) has partnered with Pear Anderson to publish the 3rd edition of the “ How Online Ready Are NTOs for Muslim Travellers in 2022 ” report . The report emphasises the significance of online travel resources in elevating a destination ’ s position within the Muslim travel market . It evaluates the online presence of prominent non-OIC NTOs , provides rankings , and offers best practices and case studies .
For the third consecutive edition , Asia Pacific ( APAC ) tourism boards have dominated the top 10 rankings of the report , How Online Ready Are NTOs for Muslim Travellers in 2022 ?, comprising 62 per cent of the top spots and widening the gap between themselves and their European peers .
The report examines the online resources that the top 50 non-Muslim ( non-OIC ) destinations have created to support Muslimfriendly travel , including information on food , prayer spaces , and hotels . The percentage of destinations providing Muslim-friendly information has increased to 54 per cent , compared to 36 per cent in 2019 and 46 per cent in 2020 . Korea and Taiwan are in first place , Japan and Hong Kong in second place , and Singapore in third place .
Report & full rankings can be found at : https :// www . pearanderson . com / muslim-nto /
Gen Zs are the drivers of the Muslim tourist market
ACCORDING TO the Mastercard-CrescentRating Muslim Gen Z : The Next Generation of Travellers report , Muslim Gen Z travellers desire cultural immersion , sustainability , halal food , and Muslimfriendly amenities .
These young travellers , born between 1997 and 2012 , have the financial means to travel , with 32 per cent funding their trips and 16 per cent relying on their parents . The report also reveals that 69 per cent plan to take two or more trips in the next year , and 32 per cent plan to stay at their destinations for one to two weeks .
Two-thirds of Muslim Gen Z travellers prioritise cultural immersion and nature excursions in their vacations , alongside activities such as shopping or attending events . During their travels , they also require faith-based services , including halal food , prayer rooms , and bidets .
Sustainability is a crucial factor for almost half of the report ’ s respondents , with 77 per cent willing to pay more for sustainable practices . More than 70 per cent of female Muslim Gen Z travellers play a significant role in planning family vacations , with cultural immersion activities being their preference . Additionally , they seek opportunities to learn something new and contribute to social causes while travelling .
Tourism set to return to pre-pandemic levels in some regions in 2023
UNWTO predicts that the recovery of the tourism sector will continue throughout 2023 , despite economic , health , and geopolitical challenges .”
THIS YEAR , tourism in Europe and the Middle East may return to pre-pandemic levels after a strong recovery in 2022 . Still , tourists may prefer more affordable and local travel due to economic challenges , according to the World Tourism Organisation ( UNWTO ).
It predicts that international tourist arrivals could reach 80-95 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in 2023 , depending on various factors such as economic conditions and the situation in Asia , the Pacific , and others .
In 2022 , international tourist numbers doubled to over 900 million , but it was still only 63 per cent of pre-pandemic levels . The Middle East saw the most significant increase , reaching 83 per cent of pre-pandemic levels , followed by Europe at nearly 80 per cent . Africa and the Americas recovered about 65 per cent of their pre-pandemic visitors , while Asia and the Pacific only reached 23 per cent due to stricter restrictions .
The UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of 2023 analyses regional performance and identifies several destinations that have already recovered 2019 levels .
UNWTO predicts that the recovery of the tourism sector will continue throughout 2023 , despite economic , health , and geopolitical challenges .
The removal of Covid-19 travel restrictions in China , the world ’ s largest outbound market in 2019 , marks a crucial milestone towards the recovery of the tourism industry in Asia , the Pacific , and globally .
This resumption of travel will likely benefit Asian destinations in the short term , but it will depend on air travel availability , cost , visa regulations , and Covid-19 restrictions in the destinations . The US will also continue to benefit destinations in the region and beyond due to strong demand backed by a strong US dollar .
However , the economic situation could lead to a more cautious attitude among tourists in 2023 , with reduced spending , shorter trips , and travel closer to home . There are still risks to tourism ’ s recovery , including geopolitical tensions like the Russia-Ukraine war and health challenges from Covid-19 .
The UNWTO Confidence Index shows cautious optimism for January-April 2023 , higher than the same period in 2022 , supported by the opening up in Asia and substantial spending numbers in 2022 from traditional and emerging tourism source markets . — R & R