‘Halal tourism’ for Gulf citizens on rise

KUNA -- In recent years, the tourism industry has increasingly began to accommodate the needs of more conservative families in the Gulf region, launching a trend that has come to be known as “halal tourism.” The trend was set in Malaysia, which has been marketing itself as the perfect destination for conservative Gulf families that seek touristic entertainment and scenic locations without worrying about violating Muslim teachings and traditions.

Turkey soon followed suit, shedding light on the more conservative parts of the country such as the Anatolia, where hotels do not serve alcohol and have separate swimming pools and spa facilities for men and women. Many more countries are now trying to attract tourists from Muslim countries for economic gains, and thus have come to show more respect for religious beliefs of these people. The “halal tourism” industry is now flying planes where no alcohol or pork products are served, and prayer time is announced, alongside the broadcast of religious programs and segments as part of the entertainment program on board.

A recent study by Euro Monitor had predicted that several carriers may take on these policies in an attempt to attract more tourists from the Gulf. Today, many international hotels serve “halal” food that is slaughtered in accordance with Muslim teachings and is free of pork products, and more assistants of Arab origin are being employed to help in translation and other matters.

The concept of Islamic hotels in increasingly on the rise as well, first in the UAE, and then spreading through a chain that was set up by the Gulf state’s investors. The Emirates Investment Group plans to build 150 hotels around the world by 2013, beginning in Egypt, the UAE and Malaysia, then moving on to Europe, the US and China.