Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT):
Understanding the Supply and Demand Sides
In the OIC Member Countries
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c) Business Travel
This is a fast growing market segment due to the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and
Events) activities. Singapore is renowned in this area with many international conferences
happening throughout the year.
Singapore is a well-established premier financial hub for Asia. In addition, the government has
taken a strong vision to establish Singapore as a global financial centre. Over the years, the
government has provided critical support and a wide range of opportunities and incentives for
financial institutions to expand and grow their businesses in Singapore. This has helped
Singapore attract a number of business travelers. Muslim businessmen travel often to
Singapore particularly from the GCC and South East Asian region. They have investments in the
country. This is because Singapore has a strong, efficient and transparent legal and judicial
framework, presenting a favourable regulatory and business environment with a high degree
of banking confidentiality.
Singapore has two major conference venues. The large capacity of the venues enables the
country to host a number of major conferences and event. Two venues are as follows;
- Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. The Urban Redevelopment
Authority (URA) mentioned Suntec City as one of the largest commercial
developments in Singapore. The convention centre has a total of 100,000 square
metres of space.
- Singapore Expo. The Singapore EXPO is the largest convention and exhibition venue in
Singapore covering over 10 exhibition halls.
Major events that were held in Singapore include amongst others the Youth Olympics games,
SEA games and Food Expo. Other major events continue to attract Muslim tourist from the
region and the GCC countries. A website
calendar.html) contains a comprehensive listing of all events.
Muhammad Kamal President of Singapore Halal Culinary Federation mentioned that he is keen
to have a Halal Food Festival to help the Muslim business tourism market. Currently a food
festival is held in July which coincides with the Great Singapore sale. This food festival is endorsed
by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
d) Healthcare Travel
The number of Muslim tourists traveling to Singapore for health tourism is growing at a steady
rate. International patients travel to Singapore each year for a whole range of medical care
from health screenings to high-end surgical procedures in specialties such as cardiology and
pediatrics. In 2014, medical expenditure generated from travelers was approximately
US$610.1 million.
This is because the hospitals provide experienced healthcare professionals with the latest
equipment. The challenge is that the price of the healthcare facility in Singapore is higher as
compared to that available in neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Thailand.
Most hospitals are able to provide Halal food, as well as have some space for prayers.