Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT):
Understanding the Supply and Demand Sides
In the OIC Member Countries
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and thought that we are crazy. They were asking if we were building a mosque or a hotel”. In
addition, challenges were not just from outside but inside. Inside, the family was not unanimous
in our decision to adopt Sharia practices for the hotel. The greatest challenge came from hotel
employees. In Indonesia the Hotels largest shareholder are the employee.
Hugo Gerritsen, Area General Manager, Dorsett Grand Subang Malaysia is targeting the Muslim
traveler. They have improved the cuisine in their restaurants. Dining is an important
consideration for the Muslim traveler. He further elaborated that Muslim travelers’ average stay
in the Hotel has become relatively shorter. Normally they opt to travel in Malaysia to about two
or three destinations. Sales and marketing team are trying to design packages to cater to their
travel needs.
2.4.4 Attraction and Activities
This section examines the attraction and activities, including theme parks. Traditionally the
number of Halal food outlets were relatively limited. In the last few years this has changed.
Even non-OIC countries have Halal dining outlets in their theme parks.
A number of attractions especially in Malaysia are Muslim friendly. Sunway Lagoon in Kuala
Lumpur Malaysia has dedicated prayer facilities for male and female. In addition, restaurant or
eatery, offer Halal options or even a separate Halal restaurant option entirely. In the
developing OIC countries, the attractions are not as well developed as compared to the
developed OIC destination attractions.
Attractions and amusement theme parks in non-OIC countries are also beginning to offer
prayer rooms and halal food. Most Singapore attractions have Halal food outlets. Universal
Studio in Singapore also has a Prayer room. Hong Kong Disneyland added Halal-certified food
for Muslim guests. In Taiwan restaurants in some amusement parks, such as Leofoo Village
Theme Park in Hsinchu County, now provide halal restaurants. In addition, some restaurants
in the theme park have arrow signs pointing to Mecca for Muslim daily prayers and proper
washing facilities.
Mohamed Firhan Abdul Salam Area Director, Middle East & Africa, Singapore Tourism Board
mentioned that in non-OIC countries like Singapore their biggest concern is dining at the theme
parks. Muslim tourists seek to patronage eateries that have the Halal logo. In Singapore there a
number of restaurants that are halal certified and displaying their logo. Other countries in the
OIC member states should suggest their dinning establishment to prominently display their Halal
logo, mentioned Firhan.
Fawad Khan of Singapore Airlines based in Jeddah and Saudi Arabia mentioned that theme
parks should increase their shopping experience for the Muslim tourist. Shopping is a major
activity for example amongst the Arabian travelers. They prefer to purchase quality mechanise as
souvenirs. These memorabilia’s would be given as gifts to friends and relatives when they return
home. Also it serves as a reminder to their place of visit.
Hugo Gerritsen, Area General Manager, Dorsett Grand Subang Malaysia mentioned that there is
a need to design program to cater to the entire family which includes in broad terms the farther,
mother and their children. The ladies prefer a shopping outing. Hence located close to shopping