@Halal R & R - Rest & Rehlah July/August 2023 | Page 16

Sunway Lost World Hotel is favoured choice among travellers who seek lodgings that meet their cultural and religious needs

MUSLIM-FRIENDLY PERAK

16 | JULY-AUGUST , 2023

Welcoming , inclusive

Family Suite .
Sunway Lost World Hotel , located in Sunway City Ipoh .

and family-friendly

Sunway Lost World Hotel is favoured choice among travellers who seek lodgings that meet their cultural and religious needs
BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN

THE MUSLIM travel industry can emerge in Perak , said Sunway Lost World Hotel ( SLWH ) General Manager Nurul Nuzairi Mohd Azahari .

“ We can see increased demand for halal tourism products due to changes in social and economic conditions where Muslims are the majority . Therefore , the Muslim travel market is essential and lucrative to SLWH .”
SLWH , he said , sought to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests , regardless of religious or cultural background , by providing relevant amenities and facilities .
“ We make every effort to provide services that meet the needs of Muslim travellers . It allows them to enjoy their vacation without jeopardising their religious obligations .”
SLWH has received Muslim-friendly Accommodation Recognition ( MFAR ) silver category from the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ).
ENHANCED REPUTATION AND APPEAL AMONG MUSLIM TRAVELLERS
The MFAR recognition establishes the SLWH as a favoured choice among Muslim travellers who seek lodgings that meet their cultural and religious needs .
“ This attracts a loyal customer base and contributes to SLWH ’ s long-term prosperity .
This results in more reservations , higher occupancy rates , and higher revenue for the hotel .”
He also noted that the prestigious recognition helps generate positive reviews and feedback from Muslim travellers .
“ These reviews can further enhance the hotel ’ s reputation and appeal among Muslim travellers , as potential guests rely on the experiences of others to make informed decisions about their accommodations .”
The MFAR recognition also has motivated SLWH to prioritise and enhance their Muslim-friendly services and offerings
“ This acknowledgement encourages hotel staff to continue providing highquality services and offerings that cater to the demands of Muslim travellers .
“ Reviewing the guests ’ feedback and recommendations , these testimonials provide first-hand insights into the impact of visitors ’ experiences . This feedback is useful for the hotel in identifying areas for improvement and continuously improving
Hotel Lobby .
Nurul Nuzairi Mohd Azahari
its offerings .”
SLWH , he said , would continually improve and create a welcoming and inclusive environment that enhances the overall guest experience .
Haku Suite .
SLWH ’ S MUSLIM-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
“ We understand that many Muslim travellers travel with their families . Therefore we offer family-friendly amenities such as connecting rooms and extra beds . It is to ensure that we can improve the comfort and convenience of Muslim families during their stay .”
SLWH ’ s kitchen facilities and food preparation also meet halal standards , providing halal food to their Muslim guests . SLWH also has praying rooms for males and females at the hotel and Qibla direction indicators in hotel rooms .
Other key features and amenities that make SLWH a Muslim-friendly hotel include halal certification , prayer mat and Quran , cleanliness , and modesty .
Nurul Nuzairi also shared plans for further improvement in this segment to better cater to the needs and preferences of Muslim travellers .
“ We plan to consistently gather feedback and improve our services and offerings to cater to Muslim travellers ’ needs and preferences .
“ We will also partner with more local businesses and organisations that cater to the Muslim community .
“ And lastly , training and educating staff to ensure they understand Muslim culture and customs well .”
MUSLIM WOMEN-FRIENDLY DESTINATION
Muslim women travellers hold the right to freely wear a fully covered outfit aligned with Sharia compliance and personal beliefs , Nurul Nuzairi opined .
He said Malaysia is known for promoting Islamic tourism and has been recognised as a Muslim-friendly destination .
“ Our country provides various attractions and amenities such as women-only swimming pools , spas , and prayer rooms . These areas offer Muslim women travellers more privacy and comfort .
“ Therefore , Malaysia ’ s recognition as a Muslim-friendly destination , as well as its efforts to meet the needs and preferences of Muslim women travellers , make it an appealing option for those seeking a welcoming and culturally accommodating destination .” — R & R