10 | JULY-AUGUST 2022
A Muslimfriendly city staycation
Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur sees the potential in the Muslim tourist market
BY FATIHAH MANAF
THERE ’ S no better tourist experience for Muslims other than knowing they can travel with ease of mind without having to compromise their religious beliefs and practices . Hotels and accommodations catering to these needs of Muslim tourists will attract this segment of Muslim travellers , helping the businesses bounce back after the pandemic .
Located in a Muslimmajority country , Malaysian hotels possess a vast opportunity in this growing Muslim travel market as they can easily incorporate Muslimfriendly aspects and Islamic values in their business operations . A Muslim-friendly
Azhar Mohammad accommodation does not necessarily mean the facility is exclusively meant for Muslims - its peaceful ambience and prioritisation of hygiene and cleanliness will help attract non-Muslims to stay at the place .
Most importantly , being recognised as Muslim-friendly accommodation allows hotels to show their appreciation towards the Muslim community , simultaneously building the trust between them and their Muslim clients .
Being strategically located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur , Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur , an exclusive business hotel , is one of the hotels in the country which has received its Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Recognition ( MFAR ) from the Ministry of Tourism and Arts Malaysia through the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ).
According to Azhar Mohammad , the General Manager of Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur , he can see the exponential growth of the Muslim tourist market due to international migration , education , and online digital marketing .
“ The hotel industry is interested in meeting these Muslim tourists ’ needs . As the GM of the hotel , I foresee a large segment of the international Muslim market potential untapped and pursuing it will be our greatest interest in 2022 ,” he said .
PROVIDING MUSLIM-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
The Muslim-friendly concept is becoming more popular even in Muslim-minority countries like Japan and South Korea . Hence , Malaysia needs to up its game . The introduction of MFAR will set the standards for Malaysian hotels keen to explore this lucrative Muslim tourist market .
The accreditation helps hotels to show their dedication to championing this market - emphasising elements such as hygiene and cleanliness , provision of halal food and spiritual offerings .
“ In the aspect of Muslim-friendly , we are already on it . We provide guests with the halal-certified menu in designated F & B outlets . All of our kitchens are certified halal .
“ We are committed to catering to Muslim travellers ’ needs at our hotel . We provide a designated prayer room for the guests of Seri Pacific . We also prepare prayer mats , ladies ’ prayer veils , and the Quran in each room . Our rooms are also furnished with Islamic decorations ,” Azhar elaborated .
MUSLIM-FRIENDLY IS FAMILY-FRIENDLY
Being Muslim-friendly makes a hotel to be family-friendly as well . Aside from corporate clients , Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur attracts families , especially Muslim families , to stay at its facility .
Known for its legendary warm and friendly hospitality , the hotel offers exceptional accommodation and impeccable services to make the guests ’ experience a memorable stay .
Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur provides 560 newly refurbished spacious rooms , including suites and club rooms that have been stylishly furnished to meet business and leisure travellers ’ comfort .
“ In terms of benefits in business , I foresee a great potential for Muslim-friendly
Attractions near Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur
LOCATED in a prominent business district and connected to Kuala Lumpur ’ s iconic landmark , the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur ( WTCKL ), Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur is opposite Sunway Putra Shopping Mall . It takes only one minute for the hotel guests to go to the PWTC light rail transit ( LRT ) station and five minutes walk to Putra KTM komuter station , making the hotel a perfect destination for a staycation .
There are some tourist attractions near Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur , such as :
KLCC Twin Towers , Islamic Arts Museum , Sentul KL Performing Arts Centre ( KL PAC ), Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan , National Mosque ( Masjid Negara ), Taman Tasik Titiwangsa and Chow Kit Road . It is also a perfect choice for medical tourists as the hotel is situated near Institut Jantung Negara , Damai Service Hotel Kuala Lumpur and Hospital Besar Kuala Lumpur .
hotels . For now , we have not really gone on emphasising the Muslim-friendly branding in-depth , but we will certainly consider going in that direction .
“ I see the potential and advantages of tapping into the Muslim travel market segment . Currently , we have almost 80 per cent Muslim guests staying with us ; most of them are local Muslims .
“ We , however , have not incorporated anything specific on Islamic Tourism on our website or brochures , but we will certainly look into that criteria in future . In terms of dress code , we follow a Malaysian Muslim identity . We also do CSR activities during fasting , catering to the Muslim orphanage homes .” — R & R