This obligation is only once in the lifetime of a Muslim, subject to affordability – physically and financially, safety, security, health, and fitness, and more importantly, the knowledge and preparation of body, mind and soul – spirituality. This tests patience, resilience, appreciation of nature, tolerance for hectic schedules, lack of rest, traffic, and caution with words.

Hajj takes place only in the months of Hajj i. e. 1st of Syawal until the dawn of the 10th Zulhijjah, while umrah can be performed at any time of the year, except those in Hajj Ihram Pilgrims require extensive logistical support.

Thus, effective coordination, safety measures, transportation, accommodation, halal foods, healthcare, shopping, and relaxation facilities are essential to serving millions of pilgrims from diverse backgrounds. Service delivery and quality have improved with modern management and leadership in the supply chain, as well as qualified and skilled personnel.

EXPANDING ISLAMIC TOURISM

In addition to Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, and Thailand, which have been promoting Muslim-friendly tourism for several decades, there is now increasing interest among global players in Asia Pacific and Europe, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Notably, Cambodia has shown a commitment to becoming a Muslim-friendly destination, as emphasised during the 1st Cambodia Muslim Friendly Tourism Forum last year, where I had the privilege of addressing the potentials and challenges of this segment.

As among the key destinations in

Asia, Hong Kong has now enhanced its halal tourism offerings for Muslim travellers, including certified Muslim-friendly hotels and outlets. Similarly, the Philippines, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association( PATA) Annual Summit in Istanbul, Turkiye, on Apr 21-23, 2025, highlighted the growing inclination towards Islamic tourism. Similar signs were also shown in World Travel Market( WTM) London, ASEAN Travel Forum( ATF) 2025 in Johor, ITB Berlin and Arab Travel Market( ATM) Dubai.

This trend is poised to reshape global tourism, given the significant growth of the Muslim travel market. As more Muslims can afford international travel and spend their disposable income on quality experiences, we see changes in demographics and psychographics.

An increasing number of young Muslims, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are travelling in groups or solo, seeking meaningful experiences and knowledge about their destinations while still being faithful to their beliefs.

In tandem with advancements in technology, Muslim travellers are increasingly using tools such as social media and artificial intelligence( AI) to obtain information about destination image, itinerary design, coordination, and local culture while still consulting travel agents for essential advice and tour package buys.

Destinations need proper infrastructure, standards, and skilled personnel. Continuous training is essential to meet the demands of the Muslim market. Moreover, facilities and services must be sustainable and inclusive, including accommodating disabled tourists, which come under accessible tourism.

ACCESSIBLE TOURISM

World Health Organisation( WHO, 2023) said that 1.3 billion

people or about 16 per cent of the global population experience significant disability. UN Tourism emphasises that accessibility to tourism facilities, products, and services should be a central part of any responsible and sustainable tourism policy.

It is not only about human rights but also about a business opportunity for destinations and companies to embrace all visitors and enhance their revenues.

There are disabled tourists, including Muslims and other domestic and global tourists, who are also keen to travel and enjoy the destination tourism products and services. It is also important to note that accessible tourism focuses on making travel experiences enjoyable and inclusive for everyone, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities.

It is about ensuring destinations, products, and services are accessible to all, including those with disabilities, seniors, and families with young children. Global Sustainable Tourism Council( GSTC) promotes the " tourism for all " concept.

The question is how ready the destinations are for accessible tourism in terms of facilities, services, and policies that align with their physical conditions. They come from different backgrounds, professions, and faiths. They are swimmers, divers, Olympians, celebrities, high-income earners, and the public.

The size is growing. In promoting this segment, service providers, coaches, and trainers must develop specific standards to guide the marketers and tourists. Accessible tourism is in demand, which can help the industry grow sustainability in tandem with SDG and ESG principles.

OSAKA EXPO 2025

The theme for World Expo 2025 in Osaka is " Designing Future Society for Our Lives ", with sub-themes of " Saving Lives," " Empowering Lives," and " Connecting Lives." It is on Yumeshima Island on Apr 13-Oct 13, 2025.

To attract Muslim visitors, Japan has created a Muslim Guide for the Expo. The guide includes information about halal food, prayer spaces( shared but with separate areas for males and females), halal souvenirs, and a Muslim Osaka Travel Guide. More details are available at www. japaneid. com.

Japan now offers many Muslimfriendly destinations, which differ

BY DR. MOHMED RAZIP HASAN

Advisor Emeritus @ Halal Magazine

Fellow BUDI Islamic Science

from the past when I visited for training and official duties in the 80s, 90s and early 21st century.

Information about these destinations is readily accessible, including links to regional Muslim guides for areas such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, Hokuriku Shinetsu( Asahi, Omachi, Toyama), Kanto( Nikko), Tokai( Aichi), Kansai( Kyoto, Kobe), Chugoku( Hiroshima), Kyushu( Fukuoka, Kumamoto), and Okinawa and many more.

JAPAN FOOD EXPORT FARE ������

Malaysia, through the Halal Development Corporation( HDC), will participate in JPEX from July 9-11, 2025, at Tokyo Big Sight. JPEX is a B2b food exhibition aimed at overseas food and beverage companies entering the Japanese and Asian markets.

These halal events are expected to enhance both the halal and tourism industries, especially in light of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. they have increased awareness of halal-friendly tourism, which requires halal-certified products and services such as food, beverages, cosmetics, and health and wellness items.

VISIT MALAYSIA YEAR 2026

Malaysia should strive to uphold its leading position in the global Muslim travel market by emphasising its multiculturalism, openness, and mutual respect.

The Visit Malaysia Year 2026 initiative should be utilised to attract an increased number of Muslim visitors for 2026 and beyond, thereby promoting the nation ' s culture, natural beauty, and hospitality within the framework of halal practices and sustainability is a bold strategy to consider seriously. –