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BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
MUSLIM-FRIENDLY tourism is a rapidly expanding market segment , with Muslim tourists seeking destinations that meet their religious requirements and uphold Islamic values and principles . The global halal tourism market ’ s total revenue is anticipated to reach US $ 341.4B by 2030 , according to Reports and Insights Business Research ’ s Halal Tourism Market Research Report 2023-2030 .
In recent years , the hotel and resort tourism sectors worldwide have changed and adapted to meet the demands of Muslim visitors . It includes offering amenities suitable for Muslims , such as halal food , family-friendly or gender-segregated rooms , and prayer spaces facing Mecca ( Qibla ).
Malaysia , a popular halal travel destination , is a predominantly Muslim country , with Muslims making up approximately 61 per cent of the population . It ranks among the nations with the fastest-growing halal or Muslim-friendly tourism industries worldwide .
Malaysian Association of Hotels ( MAH ) President Datin Christina Toh said : “ The tourism industry in Malaysia is very much aligned with the country ’ s Islamic culture , allowing Muslim tourists to enjoy themselves without compromising the needs and requirements of their faith .
“ As a result , Malaysia ’ s domestic and international Muslim tourism market trend is promising .”
IDEAL ACCOMMODATIONS FOR MUSLIM TOURISTS
According to Christina , Malaysia ’ s hotels and resorts are well suited to accommodate Muslim tourists , primarily looking for a family-friendly setting with Muslimfriendly facilities and services permissible for Muslims .
“ We are unquestionably prepared to receive local and foreign Muslim tourists . It is a pre-requisite for Malaysian hotels to have all the essential amenities and
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facilities for Muslim travellers .
“ Especially in regards to food and beverages ( F & B ), it is necessary for the hotels to have at least one halal-certified and Muslim-friendly restaurant .”
CAPTIVATING THE MUSLIM TOURISM MARKET
The Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR ) programme offered by the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) is well supported by industry participants in the accommodation sector who want to join the Muslim-Friendly Tourism ecosystem .
MFAR hotels are recognised by ITC as providing the services and amenities that Muslim tourists require , including halal food , cleanliness , toiletries , and spiritual offerings .
According to Christina , this recognition assures Muslim visitors that all hotel practises and activities always adhere to their religious tenets , with regards to the products , tools , operations , practices or management .
“ With MFAR recognition , Muslim travellers can now check into a hotel and be assured of the Muslim-friendly services and facilities provided .”
MFAR recognition , first introduced in 2018 , is an expansion of the Ministry of Tourism , Arts & Culture Malaysia ( MOTAC ) star rating system and the first government-issued recognition for Islamic tourism worldwide .
She said that MAH fully supports ITC ’ s MFAR programme as it creates a value proposition for Muslim tourists , especially those from Middle Eastern countries . The MFAR provides international Muslim travellers assurance and peace of mind when visiting Malaysia .
“ They know there will be places to pray and worship . Additionally , the fact that halal food is readily available gives them comfort .
“ Most importantly , they can enjoy their stay , vacation and participate in Malaysia ’ s diverse tourism offerings without compromising their religious beliefs .” — R & R
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“ The tourism industry in Malaysia is very much aligned with the country ’ s Islamic culture , allowing Muslim tourists to enjoy themselves without compromising the needs and requirements of their faith . As a result , Malaysia ’ s domestic and international Muslim tourism market trend is promising .”– Datin Christina Toh |
Experience exemplary Muslim-friendly customer service ( Dorsett Grand Subang ). |