No more a niche market
Mardhiyyah Hotel & Suites sees the demand for Islamic Tourism
BY FATIHAH MANAF
WHILE some hotel operators are still sceptical about investing in Islamic Tourism , Dato ’ Seri Mohamed Rafik Mohd Idris believes in going all out . The Managing Director of Mardhiyyah Hotel & Suites stated that he saw the demand for the burgeoning market , not only from Muslim travellers but also the non-Muslims who seek maximum comfort and cleanliness during their holiday .
Mardhiyyah Hotel & Suites , located at the heart of Shah Alam , Selangor , has received the Platinum ranking for Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Recognition ( MFAR ) from the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ). It also won the Muslim-friendly Hotel Award at the Halal in Travel Awards in Singapore .
“ Islamic Tourism or Muslim-friendly Tourism is no more a niche market . It is gaining more and more attention among international destinations , and it can benefit tourism development in many countries .”
According to Mohamed Rafik , the establishment of ITC has become the best platform for empowering the development of Islamic Tourism in Malaysia . Championing Islamic Tourism helps attract more Muslims to the country as the facilities offered will shift accordingly to the needs of the Muslims . The basic needs of these Muslim travellers can be fulfilled , leading to travel satisfaction .
PLATINUM-RANKED MUSLIM- FRIENDLY HOTEL
During the pandemic , Mardhiyyah Hotel & Suites improved its infrastructure and facilities by renovating its interior . The renovation aims to provide more comfort and safety to the guests , making their stay more special and memorable .
“ Since the reopening of the international borders on Apr 1 , the influx of Muslim tourists to the country has been encouraging as the demand for Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) services continues to increase ,” said Mohamed Rafik .
He said MFAR recognition received by the hotel helped them increase the confidence of guests and the public in the hotel ’ s Muslim-friendly branding , in line with the community ’ s awareness of Shariah-compliant services and products . The recognition also places Mardhiyyah Hotel & Suites as one of the preferred choices in the Islamic Tourism industry .
“ As MFAR hotel , we are responsible for
ensuring all guests are satisfied with our services . We adhere to the mission of a responsible hotel company and istiqamah ( consistent ) in providing customers products and services , “ said Mohamed Rafik .
PROVIDING THE BEST FACILITIES
Among facilities by the hotel to cater for Muslim guests include having kitchens and restaurants certified halal by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department ( JAIS ) and equipping guest rooms with Qibla direction , prayer mats and Al-Quran . The hotel has Surau Al-Latifah , a large ,
Dato ’ Seri Mohamed Rafik Mohd Idris
comfortable prayer room accommodating 150 guests . The workers at the hotel also dress modestly .
To accommodate the needs of Muslim female guests and customers , the hotel has a designated time for them to use the swimming pool and gym and offers them unique spa treatments .
Providing information about the nearby attractions through brochures and website , Mohamed Rafik said : “ We do not focus only on Muslim-friendly attractions . As an esteemed hotel , our guests consist of all religions and races . Our brochure provides all information regarding the attractions in Shah Alam , including the famous Blue Mosque or Masjid Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz and Selangor International Islamic Arts Complex , which is a walking distance from our facility .”
MAKING THE BRAND VISIBLE
Mardhiyyah Hotel & Suites has always worked with strategic partners such as ITC to ensure business continuity and sustainability . The partnership also fulfils the hotel ’ s role in developing and expanding the Muslim tourist segment in Malaysia . The hotel also partners with government bodies , government-linked companies , travel agents and corporate bodies .
In line with the current trend , Mohamed Rafik revealed that the management used various methods to advertise the hotel - social media , brochures , and flyers .
“ We actively use social media to reach out to Muslim and non-Muslim customers so that they know what facilities we offer . To promote our brand and facilities , we have also joined travel fairs and roadshows such as MATTA Fair , Gulf Travel Show and Kuala Lumpur Travel Mart .
“ A joint promotion with financial institutions such as banks also helps us to reach out to more customers and widen our reach .”
Aiming to pioneer the Shariah-compliant hotel segment , Mohamed Rafik said he wanted Mardhiyyah Hotel & Suites to have more branches in Malaysia and abroad .
“ We are ready to be a point of reference for parties interested in participating in the concept of Muslim-friendly tourism , including the education sector . As a leading organisation in its class , we welcome and are keen to be a partner of programmes organised by the Ministry of Tourism , Arts and Culture ( MOTAC ) and ITC to improve the Islamic Tourism industry .” — R & R