Ref: Britannica Travels

What is Halal?

The term “halal” is translated from Arabic as “permissible” and refers to any product or activity that is lawful in accordance with the Islamic law.

Halal is primarily associated with foods and beverages which are prohibited for Muslims.

Simultaneously, “halal” also covers all aspects of a Muslim’s life. Beliefs and rituals include reading the Quran, daily prayers, complying with modest dress code and manners, and avoiding unpleasant places.

Halal Tourism Facts

In 2015, Muslim travellers spent $151 billion globally. This excludes the spending during religious pilgrimages to Mecca (Hajj/Umrah).

The Muslim travel sector ranks second in the global travel spending, straight after the Chinese market ($168 billion spending).

The revenues derived from the so-called “Muslim-friendly” tourism industry were estimated in 2015 at $24 billion.

Halal Tourism Forecast

The “Global Muslim Travel Index 2017” report (GMTI) forecasts that the spending in the global Muslim Travel segment will increase up to $220 billion by 2020.

This forecast also estimates the worldwide number of Muslim travellers to grow from 121 million in 2016 to 156 million by 2020. (Mastercard & Crescentrating (2017). Global Muslim Travel Index 2017).

Is Halal Travel only for Muslims?

Upon hearing ‘Halal Travel’ or ‘Muslim Tourism’, one would automatically assume that the travel packages or destinations using these terms are exclusively designed for Muslims only.

Yes, the majority of travellers are predominantly Muslims, however there is an increasing number of non-Muslims enquiring for similar facilities.

Here at Britannica Travels, we have seen an increasing number of young professionals enquiring about packages with private swimming pools, quiet ambience areas where they can relax far from noisy night-clubs or people being too loud in the hotel corridors after midnight.

Young families are also seeking for fun activities and adventures amongst fellow travellers who share common holiday ideas.

Focusing on Halal Travel, we are in the position to cater for all requests our customers may have.

What are the Business Developers saying?

As more Millennial Muslims are travelling around the world, the hotels, resorts, airlines and restaurants are adopting the Halal way of running their businesses and they are seeing increases in their revenues.

Hasya Amana Riyanto, Business Development Director/CCO at Sofyan Hotels in Indonesia said the changes the hotel needed to implement in order to cater for Halal Seeking Tourists’ needs areas such as prayer rooms, ablution facilities and halal food:

“It is not going to have a lot of investment to do that and the non-Muslims tourists are not going to be disturbed by the facilities we are giving to the Muslim visitors. We are cutting off the alcohol and we are closing our music club house and the revenue is going up 20% per annum”.

South Stack Lighthouse, North Wales, UK

What about the countries with a lesser Muslim population?

In Muslim countries, it is much easier to find all the facilities needed to enjoy a holiday without worries. There are private or segregates SPAs and swimming pools, there are children playground areas, all the food is halal, so Muslims tend to choose those countries for their travels.

However, non-Muslim countries are starting to see the opportunities as the Halal Travel sector is booming and they are starting to implement the necessary changes in order to attract more tourists.

In the Philippines, Christians form 90% of the population, however great efforts are being made to capitalise on the spending power of Muslim travellers.

Art P Boncato Jr, Deputy Minister, Philippines Department of Tourism said:

“It is now a national policy in the Philippines to develop Halal Tourism. Emerging orders from the Ministry, from our Minister himself, is to talk about Halal as a lifestyle. A lifestyle not only for Muslims but also for non-Muslims, because of the principles that it embodies like stewardship of the Earth, high standards of sanitation and living a modest life. Those very important virtues and principles are also very close to the Philippinos’ hearts.”

Britannica Travels Feedback

Chessington World of Adventures, UK

We are personally travelling as a family to discover amazing locations where you and your family can create unforgettable moments during your holiday.

We believe that Halal Tourism is about giving Tourists the choice. Britannica Travels team strives at all times to create the best packages for our customers of all backgrounds and preferences.

At Britannica Travels, our newly introduced brand by Al-Hijaz (Tours & Travels) Ltd, we always aim to get to know our clients more personally, therefore we are able to offer them the best travel experience wherever they choose with the peace of mind that their package is bespoke and tailor made to their particular desires.