HOSPITALITY
A Muslim-friendly glamping experience
Foods and beverages served at GGP and GL @ W are certified halal by JAKIM .
Tents with immediate access to the great outdoors and nature .
Muslim-Friendly certification gives confidence to guests to enjoy an ethical glamping stay and outing
BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
GLAMPING , a portmanteau of the words glamourous and camping , is a form of camping involving luxurious accommodation and facilities .
Glamping emphasises unique lodgings that provide immediate access to the great outdoors and nature without sacrificing comfort , luxury , or convenience . This tourism trend has been gaining popularity worldwide , including in Malaysia .
The trend for glamping in Malaysia is excellent , says Mohd Nor Arif Mohd Azmi , founder and CEO of Glamping Park Travels and Tours Sdn Bhd ( GPTT ). “ People choose to go glamping because they are intrigued by the concept .”
There are many glamping sites in Malaysia , such as Gopeng Glamping Park ( GGP ) in Perak , Glamping Wetland Putrajaya ( GL @ W ), Backyard Glamping Cameron Highlands in Pahang , La Hilir Tiny House in Negeri Sembilan and many more .
Arif runs both GGP and GL @ W under GPTT . “ In 2018 , we launched our glamping operation with GGP in Gopeng , Perak , and in 2021 , we expanded with GL @ W in Putrajaya .”
MFTH CERTIFICATION FOR GLAMPING
Arif supports the Muslim-Friendly Tourism Hospitality ( MFTH ) standards ( MS2610 ) developed by the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) and the Department of Standards Malaysia ( JSM ), and ITC ’ s Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Accreditation and Recognition ( MFAR ) programme .
“ This is a good effort because it gives the Muslim tourist market segment confidence and ensures their comfort .”
He shared : “ I was first exposed to the concept of Muslim-friendly tourism when I attended a course on Islamic travel and Muslim-friendly
Outdoor activities such as playing badminton , archery and bike riding are available at GL @ W .
Mohd Nor Arif Mohd Azmi
Relax and gaze at the beautiful starry night sky .
Tents are equipped with amenities such as beds and air conditioner for the comfort of the guests .
organised by MARA in early 2022 . " During the course , we learned about the MFTH certifications offered by SIRIM Berhad and ITC . As a result , we joined both programmes and complied with all of their guidelines . GGP and GL @ W are MFTH certified by SIRIM and we will be getting a certificate from ITC soon too ."
ITC provides training programmes to help industry players achieve the MFTH standards and certification .
The ITC training programme is especially beneficial for the local tourism SMEs to grow and penetrate the Muslim-friendly tourism market .
Regarding ITC ’ s guidelines for recognition , he said : “ The terms and conditions issued by ITC are excellent and comprehensive . At this time , no new requirements are necessary .”
Being a Muslim business owner , both of his glamping locations adhere to the majority , if not all , of Muslim-friendly standards , which helped them receive the certification .
“ For instance , the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ) has recognised us for providing halal food . Alcohol is prohibited on the premises , and guests and staff are expected to dress modestly .
“ So , all we had to do was meet the other conditions on the list . Although the standards are strict , they are still attainable .”
He continued that it was crucial for industry players to obtain this standard and certificate .
“ The recognition inspires confidence and convinces those considering our products and services to do so .
“ We shared the achievement via social media platforms , promotional flyers , and posters . Since then , we ’ ve noticed more Muslim visitors booking
Experience the nighttime activities such as bonfires , fire shows and karaokes .
stays at our glamping locations .”
According to him , the certification informs potential clients and guests of GGP ’ s and GL @ W ’ s Muslim-friendly services and gives them the assurance they need to enjoy an ethical stay and outing .
He also emphasised that the certification did not constrain participation from non-Muslim tourists and guests . “ They feel more comfortable and are assured of the service .”
Arif acknowledged that industry players needed to have more awareness and understanding of the global Muslim tourist market , its economic potentials and ITC ’ s recognition programme .
Therefore , he hoped ITC would step up its promotion of the MFTH standard and certification to effectively reach industry players , particularly those operating at the local level .
FAMILY FAVOURITE OUTING
Based on GGP and GL @ W guest databases , families are the demographic segmentation most interested in glamping .
" Seventy per cent of our guests are families , followed by groups and individuals . Most guests are locals , with only two to three per cent of foreign guests .
“ Lately , GL @ W has had foreign visitors every week , primarily from Japan and Korea . The number of foreign visitors is rising but still less than 10 per cent ."
The groups , he explained , were usually gathering of friends or organisations interested in team-building activities .
“ Apart from the luxurious stay close to nature , we also offer additional activities because guests want to be active instead of idling .
“ Therefore , cooperation between the glamping and activities elements is crucial for the industry .
“ GGP is located near Kampung Chulek , close to Gua Tempurung attraction spot , perfect for nature and cave enthusiasts . We also have adventurous outdoor activities such as water rafting and hiking .
“ Meanwhile , at GL @ W , we have ATV rides and a variety of water sports such as kayak , stand-up paddle and paddle boat .”
Both GGP and GL @ W also include night performances , fire shows and campfires . — R & R