Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT):
Understanding the Supply and Demand Sides
In the OIC Member Countries
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b) Business Travel
This is a fast growing market segment due to the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and
Events) industry. The United Kingdom is renowned in this area. The key market driver is the
business opportunities. The UK property market attracts the Muslim business traveler. A
number of Middle East residents have property in London.
Bilal Domah, Co-Founder and Director of the Halal Tourism Conference, mentioned that the
United Kingdom businesses needs to seriously look at Muslims Business travel because it is
growing so rapidly. It provides a great opportunity for every industry participant. Hence with
events targeting the Muslim business traveler, tourism is expected to advance further.
There are also growing number of Muslim Lifestyle events held now in the UK. United
Kingdom hosted the Muslim Lifestyle Expo (MLE). This is a premier B2C event. The main
objective of such a forum is to increase awareness especially amongst the non-Muslims.
c) Healthcare Travel
The number of Muslim tourists traveling to United Kingdom for health tourism is growing at a
steady rate. The reason for this growth is the relatively mature state of the healthcare industry
in UK. In addition, the hospitals provide experienced healthcare professionals with the latest
equipment. The challenge is that the price of the healthcare facility in United Kingdom is
higher as compared to that available in the neighboring countries of France and Germany. Both
these countries’ medical services and facilities could be considered to be on par with UK.
Muslim medical tourism is expected to grow in the next five years. However, the growth is
from a low base.
Supply Side Analysis
a) Transport terminal services (airports, cruise terminals, railway stations, etc.)
Most airports in the UK have prayer facilities. Most of them are multi-faith prayer rooms.
There are no prayer rooms at major railway stations. As for Halal food, there are a few Halal
food outlets now at the major international airports in the UK.
b) Transport services (airlines, cruises, railways, etc.)
United Kingdom adequately caters to the needs of the Muslim travelers flying into the country
on the national carrier British Airways. Halal food is available upon request. Most long distance
train services do not necessary offer Halal food options, although vegetarian choices are
generally available.
c) Accommodation services (hotels, resorts, etc.)
The United Kingdom has a wide variety of hotels, ranging from budget to luxury
accommodation throughout the country. In addition, some restaurants in hotels now offer
halal food with some receiving their groceries from halal certified suppliers.