Noor
Have you heard the terms “Halal Travel” and “Muslim Friendly Travel”, and wondered what on Earth they mean? Well, this article will not only tell you what Halal Travel and Muslim Friendly Travel mean, but it would also tell you why you should care. In particular, if you are a hotelier, restaurant or booking agency looking to accommodate Muslim travellers.
Halal Travel Vs Muslim Friendly Travel
There is a lot of confusion surrounding the term “Muslim Friendly Travel”. Some people use it interchangeably with Halal Travel, while others see it as a separate category. So, what is the difference between Halal Travel and Muslim Friendly Travel?
Simply put, Halal Travel is a complete experience that meets the need of Muslim travellers. Typically, this would be in a Muslim destination that is used to cater to the needs of Muslims. While Muslim Friendly Travel is, a non Muslim travel destination that is accommodating to Muslim travellers.
Halal Travel takes into account all aspects of the journey. From planning and booking to the actual travel and accommodation, to ensure that it is in line with Muslim beliefs, practices and values.
Muslim Friendly Travel, on the other hand, is focused on providing facilities and services that make it easier for Muslim travellers to enjoy their holiday. Usually in a destination that isn’t typically considered a Muslim majority country. This can include providing prayer facilities, Halal food options and activities that are compatible with Islamic values.
Islamic Travel vs Halal Travel
On the other, you’re probably wondering, is Halal Travel the same as Islamic travel? And the answer is no. Whilst Halal Travel Destinations may often be in Muslim countries, Islamic Travel is based around Islam. This could be a journey to allow the traveller to learn more about Islam, reconnect with their faith, or simply learn about the history of Islam. It’s the intent that is different.
Halal Travel is an Islamic permissible style of travel, whereas Islamic Travel centres around Islam itself. In simple terms, Halal Travel is something that a Muslim traveller would undertake, whereas Islamic Travel is a type of travel that can be undertaken by anyone to learn about the religion and its history.
Why Is Halal Travel Important To The Tourism Industry
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world and according to a report by MasterCard, Muslim travellers are expected to contribute USD$233 billion to the global economy by 2025. And yet, despite this significant spending power, there has been a lack of understanding and awareness of the needs of this lucrative market.
Halal travel is not just about avoiding alcohol or finding places to pray. It’s about providing Muslim travellers with an all-encompassing travel experience that meets their religious and cultural needs.
This is why Halal Travel is so important. Catering to the needs of Muslim travellers, not only creates business for the tourism industry. But it also creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for a group of travellers that are far too often overlooked.
What Does Halal Travel Entail
Food
Let’s face it, food is one of the most important things to consider when travelling, if not the most. And for a group of people that generally loves their meat based dishes, the availability of Halal food is almost always at the top of the list of requirements when choosing a holiday destination.
In fact, the majority of Muslim travellers that I know will almost exclusively only travel to countries where Halal food is readily available. The thought of being a vegetarian for the entirety of their trip is almost always enough to deter them from a destination. However great, it may be.
Accommodation
The accommodation you choose for a holiday almost always has the power to make or break your holiday. And it is no exception for Muslim travellers looking for a temporary holiday home. From a Muslim Friendly hotel offering Halal food options and permitting the wear of a burkini, to a fully fledged Halal Resort Hotel offering women only swimming pools and spa facilities, there are many factors to be considered.
Not to mention the little things, such as having the direction of the qibla clearly marked in the guest’s room and having a Muslim friendly welcome gift to greet the travellers.
Activities
The activities on offer are another factor a Muslim traveller would consider when choosing a destination and accommodation. For example, if a hotel or destination is famed for gambling or alcohol-related activities and not much else to offer, it’s obviously not something a Muslim traveller would opt for.
But offering adventurous, nature-filled activities, water sports or even women-only nights, would allow them to partake without compromising their beliefs. In fact, you’ll find that Muslim travellers enjoy pretty much all the same activities that non-Muslims enjoy.
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The Veiled Explorer’s Conclusion
And there we have it, the difference between Halal Travel, Muslim Friendly Travel and Islamic Travel. Now that you know, how Muslim friendly is your business? Leave me a comment down below to let me know your thoughts.
If you have a Muslim Friendly business that you would like to promote, please reach out.
