TRAVEX sellers at the recent ASEAN Tourism Forum 2024 in Laos showed a keen readiness to tap the billion-dollar Muslim travel market, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and cultural sensitivity.
Fullmoon Island Resort in Cambodia's Koh Ampil archipelago is taking
steps to implement best practices for welcoming Muslim guests. Sales
manager Chen Sopharith emphasised the significant growth projected for
the Muslim travel sector, with an estimated US$225 billion in global
expenditures and 230 million expected arrivals worldwide in 2028.
“This is a segment we cannot afford to overlook,” said Sopharith,
highlighting the resort's focus on developing halal best practices,
ensuring halal meat availability, preventing cross-contamination in meal
preparation, and training spa staff to cater to the needs of Muslim female guests.
In the Philippines, embracing halal practices makes good business
sense for Lihim Resorts in Palawan, according to Mychylle C. Teo, the
group's senior sales manager. Teo acknowledged missing out on hosting
two significant Muslim groups due to the absence of a kitchen with halal
certification.
“We are confident that our newly appointed general manager, Mr.
Jeffrey Miranda, who brings extensive expertise in halal practices, will
help us achieve our goal to expand our Muslim-friendly services,” added
Teo.
The eagerness of sellers to embrace the Muslim travel market goes
beyond a business strategy; it reflects a best practice in the global
tourism landscape. Co-founder Aluna Thavonsok, excited about pursuing
halal certification for her Lao sticky rice crackers brand, KhaoLao,
sees it as a strategic move.
“We first heard about halal certification through the Lao PDR
Business Assistance Facility (BAF). Our rice crackers are already free
of any animal by-products. We believe making our products halal will
appeal not only to a diverse demographic, including health-conscious
individuals and vegetarians, but also resonates with conscious consumers
seeking ethical and sustainable choices.”