Strengthening ASEAN tourism
Member countries can easily pull high-spending Muslim tourists to explore the region
6 ESSENTIALS OF MUSLIM-FRIENDLY TOURISM & HOSPITALITY SERVICES
PRAYER FACILITIES
Solah - the second of the five fundamental pillars of Islam , calls for Muslims to perform five prescribed prayers daily . With prayer room facilities located at key tourist attractions and public areas , Muslims will feel encouraged to travel with ease , knowing that they can perform the obligatory solah at any place , any time .
Visits to Masjids are often on the Muslim traveller ’ s itinerary . For Muslims , the iconic builds are known as the sacred home for prayers , but it is also the perfect attraction to introduce tourists to the local Muslim community ’ s history and culture . Guided tours by Mosque Visit Guides ( MosVi ) trained by ITC may enhance the experience .
Musolla / prayer facilities |
Ablution facilities |
Prayer times |
Prayer rug |
|
|
Qiblah direction
Female prayer garment
HALAL GASTRONOMY
Muslim travellers love getting a taste of local delicacies , but must abide by the Islamic dietary standard - Halal . These are permitted foods for Muslim consumption and are prepared according to the teachings of Islam ; this includes how meats are slaughtered and the absence of prohibited items in meals .
They ’ ll travel confidently , knowing that there are halal-certified food and beverage outlets approved by a competent authority like the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ) and other recognised certification bodies at the destination visited .
Halal food apps
Halal logo
THE Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) participated in the ASEAN Tourism Forum ( ATF ) and Travel Exchange ( TRAVEX ) recently to highlight the potential of the Muslim tourist market as a regional tourism recovery strategy .
“ What we can see in TRAVEX is that ASEAN member countries already have a basic grasp on Islamic Tourism and its impacts on the economy , society and culture ,” said Marina Muhamad , Director of Industry Development at ITC .
“ They are on the right track and would benefit from a more systematic approach to further develop the sector in their respective countries , and thus make the ASEAN region an attractive destination for the Muslim tourist market .”
In that spirit , ITC , as an agency under the Ministry of Tourism , Arts and Culture ( MOTAC ) responsible for developing the Islamic Tourism sector and the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) ecosystem in Malaysia , took part in the three-day ATF and TRAVEX to share its efforts in making Malaysia a preferred destination for Muslim tourists and increase the buy-in towards MFTH .
ITC took the opportunity to introduce its Muslim Friendly Tourism & Hospitality Accreditation & Recognition ( MFAR ), an accreditation scheme that recognises tourism products , attractions , services , facilities , and packages that possess key elements that are appealing to Muslims and enhance the Muslim travel experience , especially when it comes to meeting their faith-based needs .
Southeast Asia is home to 260 million Muslims , with access and mobility to conveniently travel within the region due to geographical and economic reasons .
“ By creating or modifying tourism services and packages to cater to the Muslim market ,
Marina Muhamad , Director of Industry Development Division of ITC , with TRAVEX delegates from Vietnam ,
ASEAN countries can easily pull high-spending Muslim tourists to explore the region .
“ This creates a supportive setting for economic growth as the demand for MFTH products and services will grow , and the region ’ s tourism industry players will need to roll out new products and services , creating more employment opportunities .
“ ITC , on behalf of Malaysia , is ever-ready to share our expertise with neighbouring destinations interested in expanding their adoption of MFTH with the schemes and standards we have developed . We also welcome decision-makers in the tourism industry to come and visit any of the 14 States of Malaysia to experience our Muslim-Friendly hospitality themselves .”
Malaysia , recognised as the “ Top Muslim- Friendly Destination of the Year ( OIC )” in the “ MasterCard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index ( GMTI ) 2022 ” since the index debuted in 2015 , is one example of a country that has profited from Islamic Tourism and MFTH .
At the height of its tourism performance in 2019 , before the pandemic , Malaysia recorded 5.3 million Muslim tourist arrivals , contributing to RM16.72 billion in tourist receipts .
The travel exchange was considered a win-win event for all exhibitors and visitors as it promoted collaborations between participating countries , eventually benefiting all countries involved , particularly the ASEAN region .
This year ’ s ATF and TRAVEX were held at the Jogja Expo Centre , Jogjakarta , Indonesia on Feb 3-5 . With more than 207 businesses and 115 exhibitors involved , TRAVEX , a business-tobusiness ( B2B ), trade-only component of ATF was an ideal platform for all ASEAN countries to rebuild the tourism sector , especially now that destinations had reopened and people were starting to confidently travel again .
This year , the largest travel and tourism trade in Southeast Asia was also joined by other international delegates , including China , India , Japan , South Korea and Russia .— R & R
MUSLIM-FRIENDLY HOTELS
Hotels with Muslim-friendly services are always a top choice for Muslim tourists . The provision of prayer rugs , qiblah direction and halal F & B contribute greatly to guest satisfaction . Hotels can gain the trust of the Muslim tourist market by getting their premises rated with credible schemes like the Muslim-Friendly Recognition ( MFR ) verified by ITC .
Whether they are travelling for business or leisure , modern Muslim guests today are more mindful of the social , environmental and economic impacts of their activities . So , keep in mind , the smallest sustainability effort demonstrated by the accommodation provider may be the determining factor that leads to a Muslim traveller choosing your hotel over the competition .
Halal toiletries
Copy of translated al-Quran
Sustainable practices
WASHROOM FACILITIES
Zero food waste
No alcoholic beverages in minibar
Immoral Activities
No immoral activities
Physical and spiritual purification is one of the virtues highly regarded in Islam . The Islamic law requires Muslims to ritually clean their body before performing their prayers and for hygiene purposes . Thus , water is an essential element for Muslim tourists to keep themselves clean at all times .
Accessible washrooms with a clean source of water allow Muslim tourists to purify themselves and proceed to get on with their day , at ease , and comfortably .
Separate male & female facilities
Bidet
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION
Halal toiletries
Muslim travellers , just like their conventional counterparts , look for amusement and relaxation when they travel . There is so much to do , see and experience within what is permitted in Islam . It ’ s an opportunity for businesses and destinations to provide Muslim-friendly products and services to fulfil their recreational and entertainment needs .
Gender designated timeslots
Muslim friendly room facilities
Gender sensitive occupations ( therapist , lifeguard , trainers )
Halal pharmaceutical products
Muslim Friendly Tourist Guide ( MFTG )
Funeral services
Family friendly
HEALTH AND WELLNESS CHOICES
Gender sensitive checks
Modest attire
The growing awareness for healthy lifestyles has encouraged people to travel the globe , soliciting medical services for the sake of their own well-being . Thanks to the abundance of information available on the internet , Muslim tourists are now better informed and will demand options for halal medical and healthcare services .
SOURCE : ITC