Tourists pay more for halal holidays

Despite relatively low awareness of the Halal holiday concept (only 29% across MENASA), when prompted, three quarters of respondents claim it is important for their leisure destination to offer a halal holiday (51% claim it is ‘extremely important’).

The research, produced from YouGov’s annual Travel Oracle which interviewed 22,868 respondents online from across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia about their attitudes to halal tourism, also reveals just over three-quarters of respondents who are interested in the concept would pay more for a halal holiday than a standard holiday that doesn’t accommodate religious considerations. Residents from Yemen are the most willing to pay more (81%), followed by Algeria, Pakistan (both 80%) and Sudan (79%).

Halal tourism is geared towards Muslim families where tourism destinations offer holidays in accordance with Islamic beliefs and practices. According to the YouGov Travel Oracle, of the 29% of respondents that are aware of the concept of Halal tourism, respondents in Tunisia were the most likely to be aware (54%). Those respondents residing in Iraq were the least likely to be aware (15%).

The popularity of the concept amongst a population that is largely unaware exposes the essentially un-tapped market for travel destinations accommodating people’s religious beliefs. Those most in favour of halal holidays include respondents in Algeria (73% ‘extremely important’), Sudan (65% ‘extremely important’) and Yemen (64% ‘extremely important’). The concept was least important among those residing in Lebanon (34% ‘extremely unimportant’).

Currently, of those respondents interested in halal holidays, the largest proportion claim the country they most closely associate with the concept is Saudi Arabia (29%), however interestingly when asked which country they would be most interested to see develop Halal holiday destinations, the largest proportion chose the UAE (16%), followed by Saudi Arabia (10%).

When considering the most important features of a halal holiday, 64% of respondents say that prayer spaces are the most essential attribute. The provision of halal food was the second most essential attribute according to 63% of respondents, followed by being alcohol-free (51%). Modestly dressed staff and women-only swimming pools were also highly important according to 35% and 31% of respondents respectively.

source: arabiantravelnews

ROUNDTABLE: Halal is not just about the food

How important is halal tourism for your business and what demands are you experiencing from clients?

MOHAMMED: We do not really push anything that is halal just to get that audience. Going to the UK, Australia, Thailand, it is a given and it is available. It is only when people go to new destinations that they ask, and that could be a deciding factor. Halal for us is more about the food, we are not going too much into the Shariah compliance, it is just about the food.

ARORA: At R Hotels we are a Shariah-compliant company and put a great emphasis on halal tourism. For us, 80% of the business is halal tourism. It is not just about the food, there is a lot more to do with halal tourism. If I talk about hotels, starting in the rooms you have the qiblah sign, you have got to have prayer mats, you have halal food, Athan read five times a day through a PA system, if you have recreation facilities you have to have facilities for men and women, serviced by female staff if it is for women with their head covered, you have to have ablutions in the toilets, you have to have prayer rooms and obviously no alchohol and no adult movies, it has to be family-friendly entertainment.

In the western world they are going to the extent of having dedicated floors to tap into this market. Muslim travellers are educated and well-travelled, but they still look for the airlines, the hotels, the facilities that are within the Muslim faith. That is still predominant.

D’SOUZA: For Millennium, we are the only five-star hotel in this part of Dubai that is non-alcoholic. Our travellers right now are predominantly from the GCC market. We don’t serve pork, we have the qiblah and prayer mats in the rooms. We do cater a lot to the Muslim traveller who is very affluent, very educated and they do look for these kind of aspects in the hotel room.

ARORA: Just to put that in to perspective, it is demonstrated by demand. A hotel like ours, when it comes to school holidays and Eid, I am almost sold out, whereas my sister properties are still in their 30-40%. People with Muslim faith, they look for such products and they try and pick those products over the others. We are a city that is in the OIC, but within the cities there is still a demand pattern.

PONZO: We can feel that there is a demand, however, there is a gap between the demand and the supply. There is no strong marketing message to consumers about all these possibilities that the hotels are offering. Everybody is very cautious about the message that we give. It is a big thing, but it is not defined yet as a strategic direction for our company for example.

ARORA: I travelled with my colleagues to Russia and it took almost two hours to find a restaurant for halal food. Within our region, people take it for granted because they will find something or the other. It is more on the outside of this region where there is a gap.

AHMED: It is the whole experience for the traveller, from the time of boarding the aircraft to landing and going through the customs. That could also be addressed, it is not just hotels and food. Going by the trend in the market it is a lot more than just what you eat. I did have a colleague of mine who was in Japan and he said that even the bread that you get is not halal as it has some element of pork in it. Within this region we have absolutely no issue with halal food because this is what is expected of this region.

But again, when you are travelling outside, those governments, or those industries, they need to have a responsibility to create that. It is not only limited to hotels, they have done a tremendous job, but it is just the general outside player.

KARIM: The market is very significant for us and we are very much specialised in this. Of course food being halal, or a non-alcoholic hotel, is a basic requirement. For Muslim people who are travelling, they are not that much concerned about those issues, they can always find something to eat and drink. They are looking for hotels near by a mosque, or if they have some business meetings or exhibitions they will find a hotel that is convenient by location.

We notice from our experience, Muslim people that want to go for holiday, they are trying to find a more halal-friendly atmosphere, a family-friendly atmosphere. Yes a big portion, 75% of our customers are Muslim, but also we have around 25% of non-Muslim customers who are booking through us because they want to find that family-friendly atmosphere, where ladies can find specialised beach, covered, or 100% private for ladies. Our customers mainly consider these aspects in their bookings. There is a really big demand for comprehensive, family atmosphere.

source: arabiantravelnews

Dubai number one for Muslim shopping

Dubai has been ranked the number one destination in the world for Muslims to travel to for shopping purposes, according to a new report released by MasterCard and CrescentRating.

The Muslim Travel Shopping Index 2015 (MTSI 2015) analyses the trends and preferences of the Muslim traveller shopping market based on the performance of 40 main international shopping destinations against a number of set criteria.

Compiled by MasterCard and CrescentRating, the publication of the inaugural MTSI2015 Index ranked Dubai the leading destination with a weighted score of 79.5 out of 100.

Dubai’s next closest competitor is Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, with a score of 73.3. Sharjah ranked fifth highest MTSI destination in the Arab World, coming in 12th overall with a competitive score of 55.3.


Other cities from within the Arab World performed strongly on the MTSI 2015. Manama in Bahrain was the second highest ranked destination in the Arab World according MTSI Index for destinations within the OIC, coming in at seventh overall with a score of 59.6. Doha in Qatar was close behind with an overall ranking of eighth, and a score of 59.5. Riyadh in Saudi Arabia was the fourth highest ranked destination in the MTSI 2015 OIC list for the region, with an overall ranking of ninth and a weighted score of 59.3.

Commenting on the release of MTSI 2015, MasterCard Middle East and North Africa division president Raghu Malhotra said: “With 108 million Muslim travellers representing 10 per cent of the entire travel economy in 2014, and forecasted to grow even further to 150 million visitors by 2020, it is evident this segment of the travel market represents a huge opportunity for both public and private sector organisations.

“We are very pleased to publish this Index on the travel and shopping patterns of Muslim communities in order for organisations around the world to more effectively target and capture share of this lucrative travel sector.”


source: arabiantravelnews

Hilton's Curio to open in Dubai in 2018

Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with owner Royal International to open its first hotel under the Curio – A Collection by Hilton brand in the UAE.

Scheduled to open in 2018, the two-tower Rosemont Hotel and Residences is a 450-room and 280-serviced apartment property, which will be developed on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road opposite Dubai Internet City.

The hotel will offer travellers local discoveries and authentic travel experiences indicative of the Curio brand. Launched in June 2014, the Curio collection is a global set of upscale and luxury hotels hand-picked for their character and personality.

The first Curio properties lanched in the Americas including Dallas, Las Vegas, Buenos Aires and Florida, and the recently opened Reichshof Hamburg Hotel in Germany.

The Rosemont Hotel and Residences adds to the brand’s growing Middle East portfolio, which will also see Curio – A Collection by Hilton Mall of Qatar open in 2016.

Hilton Worldwide Middle East and Africa president Rudi Jagersbacher said: “Dubai’s vibrant hospitality sector continues to grow at an impressive pace, firmly earning its position as a highly desirable destination for global travellers.

"We continue to see huge potential in the market, and to add a Curio property to our portfolio of 35 hotels either trading or under development in the UAE is our global recognition of the Emirates’ unique ability to further build a compelling and cultured offering to attract visitors from around the world."

The UAE’s first Curio hotel will aim to capture the personality of the local urban landscape with its offering designed to reflect the needs of travellers to Dubai. Catering to Dubai’s business landscape, four meeting rooms, two boardrooms and one multi-functional space will host small and large-scale meetings, conferences and events.

The hotel will also offer guests a number of stylish food and beverage outlets; which will include three restaurants, a lobby café and two bars. Guests will have access to a fully equipped gym, an outdoor pool and a spa.

Dianna Vaughan, global head, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, said: “Since launching Curio in 2014, we have received an influx of interest from owners in the Middle East seeking to create a unique hotel experience underpinned by the reassurance of Hilton. The Rosemont Hotel & Residences is a perfect match for our collection, and we are delighted to count Dubai as a destination for our rapidly growing global set of distinctive hotels.”

The collection is part of Hilton HHonors, the 45 million member, guest loyalty programme for Hilton Worldwide’s 12 hotel brands. Hilton HHonors members always get the lowest price with Hilton’s Best Price Guarantee, along with HHonors Points, free Wi-Fi, access to digital check-in and Digital Key, and no hidden fees only, when they book directly through Hilton.

source: arabiantravelnews

Iran's tourism potential being viewed by hotel operators

Iranian celebrations after the nuclear deal

Hotel operators have voiced their plans to enter the Iran market following Tuesday’s historic nuclear agreement, which willl see international sanctions lifted in exchange for Iran reducing its uranium enrichment capacity.

The deal —between Iran and the US, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany — follows nine years of discussions, and according to Iran president Hassan Rouhani, has “opened a new chapter” in Iran’s relations with the world.

Prior to the Islamic Revolution in 1979, there were a number of international operators such as InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Hyatt, Hilton and Starwood operating in Iran.

However in recent years, they have been prohibited from signing deals due to sanctions, and deterred by negative media coverage on the country.

A lifting of sanctions is set to pave the way for the opening up of business and tourism.

Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director Marriott International MEA commented: "We are pleased with the historic progress made regarding relations between Iran and the international community.

“At this time we do not have any hotels in Iran. However we will be watching carefully the status of trade sanctions. "

French operator AccorHotels is in advanced negotiations for two properties in Tehran under its ibis and Novotel brands.

Christophe Landais, managing director Accor Middle East told sister title Hotelier: “We expect the recent agreements to potentially open up tremendous opportunities and rapid growth for the hospitality and tourism industry in Iran.

“AccorHotels is well positioned to play a leading role in the development of the hospitality and tourism industry throughout Iran.

“AccorHotels does not at present have any management agreements in place in Iran, however we are considering a number of potential opportunities across a broad range of segments."

UAE-based operators have also expressed their enthusiasm, with Rotana Hotel Management Corporation and Hospitality Management Holdings looking to capitalise on Iran’s tourism potential.

Rotana already has four properties under development in Iran and prides itself in being the first hotel group to announce expansion plans into the market in December 2013.

“It is important to note that signing the initial agreement in 2013 has resulted a surge in hotel occupancy levels, which increased by 36% versus 2013,” Omer Kaddouri, president & CEO of Rotana told Hotelier.

“Rotana has four properties currently under development, all of which will be opened under the company’s alcohol-free brand Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana.

“With the lifting of sanctions, we are sure that all developers and operators will be racing to secure their position in one of the world’s largest untapped markets.”

Rotana will open a 362-room hotel in 2017, and a 275-room property in 2018, both in the city of Mashhad.

In the capital city of Tehran, two further Rayhaan properties will open by 2018; a 194-key five-star hotel and a four-star property, to house 210 rooms.

Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH), another UAE-based operator, is also in “serious talks” with developers in Iran.

Laurent A. Voivenel, CEO of HMH said: “We welcome this new development with a great deal of enthusiasm. We have been watching the Iranian market very closely as it is one of the largest untapped markets especially in terms of hospitality.

“Being a market leader in the Halal-friendly segment in the Middle East, Iran holds enormous potential for brands such as ours.

“Therefore, we are a perfect partner for investors in Iran. We are already in serious talks with various developers and will be soon visiting the country to take our discussions forward.”

A recent report by TRI Consulting, Awaiting the Gold Rush: Exploring the Opportunities in Tehran’s Hotel Market, states that Iran has a lack of four- and five-star hotels and good quality accommodation.

The Tehran hotel market currently offers just 96 hotels, compared to neighbouring Dubai’s 657.

Only 16 of these are classified as four- and five-star, and so the potential opening of the market presents “enormous opportunities for the city’s untapped hotel market” the report explains.

The report highlights Iran’s tourism offerings, which includes 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ski resorts, religious and archaeological sites, and a strong arts and crafts industry, which encompasses the sought-after Persian carpet.

The latest published data by the Iran government showed that 4.8 million foreign tourists arrived in the country for the fiscal year ending March 20, 2014 — an increase on the 2010 figure of 3.1 million.

By 2024, 5.2 million international visitors are expected, TRI Consulting’s report states.

source: arabiantravelnews

Legoland Dubai places first rollercoaster

Rollercoaster at the Legoland Dubai theme park.

Dubai Parks and Resorts has installed the first rollercoaster at the Legoland Dubai theme park.

At 16 metres high and reaching speeds of up to 60kph, the Dragon roller coaster will be the park’s biggest ride, taking visitors on an interactive journey though Lego animation, as the ride weaves through the Legoland Castle, before twisting and turning onto the outdoor track.

“We are very excited that the first roller coaster has finally reached Dubai Parks and Resorts,” said Siegfried Boerst, General Manager of Legoland Dubai.

More than 50 percent of the ride engineering and manufacturing across all of the theme parks has been completed, according to Stanford Pinto, chief parks operations officer of Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Legoland Dubai will feature six themed areas and over 40 interactive rides, shows and attractions and 15,000 Lego model structures made from more than 60 million Lego bricks.

The Dragon roller coaster was manufactured, and is being assembled, by Zierer Rides and overseen by leading construction firm Hill International.

Dubai Parks and Resorts is a multi-themed leisure and entertainment destination set to open in October 2016, comprising three theme parks - motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai and Legoland Dubai, together with the Legoland Water Park. The destination will also include Riverland Dubai, a themed retail, dining, and entertainment experience, along with the Lapita Hotel, a Polynesian-themed family resort.

source: arabiantravelnews

Dubai's Jumeirah to make India debut in 2019

  Jumeirah's first property in India 

Dubai-based Jumeirah Group is set to open its first property in India by 2019, the Press Trust of India reports. 

The hotel, originally set for a 2017 opening, will be located in the Lower Parel district of Mumbai as part of a major new development  in the area.

When complete, the property will comprise 470 rooms, suites and serviced apartments, a wide range of restaurants and bars, extensive conference, wedding, banqueting and meeting facilities and a Talise spa.

Jumeirah Group president and chief executive officer Gerald Lawless said: “The company is also in talks with our partner for potential development of a property in Goa. India is a market where people are aware of our group as they know our hotels and brands.”

Lawless also said the group will introduce its lifestyle brand Venu in the country. He revealed: “We are also looking at locations like Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi and Noida among others which are of interest to us for further development.”

Jumeirah Group aims to have 75 Jumeirah-branded properties and 25 Venu-branded properties worldwide by 2023.

The group currently operates hotels in the UAE, Kuwait, Germany, the Maldives, Turkey, England, and Azerbaijan.

source: arabiantravelnews

Rotana to open six new KSA hotels by 2017

                         Rotana CEO and President Omer Kaddouri                              

The properties, which will be located in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar and Dammam, will create an additional 1,500 roooms and suites for visitors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Four of the properties will operate under the 'Centro by Rotana' brand to meet the demands of all travellers on all types of budgets.

Rotana president and CEO Omer Kaddouri said: "These new properties are an important part of our plan to expand our presence in the Kingdom, but it also comprises another very important goal and that is to increase the percentage of Saudi employees in the hospitality industry.

"The Saudisation goal for hotels is 40%, and our Doroub program aims to train Saudis for the 1,000 jobs that our expansion will create.

"We have big ambitions - we are seizing the current opportunity to expand and meet the challenges of a growing market with the goal of further becoming a leading player in hospitality, not only in the Middle East and Africa but also in South Asia and Eastern Europe."

Rotana operates top-rated hotels and resorts in various cities across the world - but it is in Saudi Arabia that the chain's potential for growth is most significant.

source: arabiantravelnews

Ethiopia targets triple visitor growth

Addis Ababa City

Buoyed by huge spending on infrastructure and an expansion of its services and agricultural sectors, Addis Ababa expects annual economic growth of around 11% for the next five years.

Though lacking the palm-fringed beaches and safari trails of neighboring Kenya and Tanzania, the Horn of Africa country boasts magnificent terrain and a fascinating imperial past.

Visitor numbers have risen at least 10% a year for the past decade, albeit from a very low base. More than 750,000 tourists came during fiscal year 2014/2015, generating $2.9 billion for the economy, said Culture and Tourism Minister Amin Abdulkadir.

"There is a lot of demand in terms of bookings and investment plans. Our target is to receive more than 2.5 million in five years time," he told Reuters in an interview.

"This sector will generate foreign direct investment and foreign currency and create job opportunities, as well as contribute to image-building."

Hilton Worldwide Holdings signed a management deal on Wednesday to open its first hotel in Ethiopia in more than four decades, while sub-Saharan Africa's first Marriott-branded serviced apartments have also been unveiled in the capital.

Sheraton, Radisson and Golden Tulip are among a handful of global groups already operating, and US chain Best Western International Inc, France's Accor Hotels and Ramada say they are also working on new projects.

Ethiopia's target for 2020 looks modest, however, in comparison to that of Egypt, where 9.9 million tourists visited last year.

"We are a peaceful and stable country. Plus, we have the right policies and strategies," said Amin. "It will not be long before we reach the levels of our neighbors."

source: arabiantravelnews

Game-Changer: Genius Suitcase Has Built-In Shelves

Suitcase with Built-In Shelves

The ShelfPack—a suitcase that evolves into a portable dresser—has real potential for travelers in need of a little organization away from home. While it may not be carry-on material, the suitcase pulls out into a series of collapsible shelves, meaning you can pack your clothing without having to worry about wrinkles or completely ruining your packing situation while on the search for one specific shirt.

The next-level packing gear measures in the same size as your regular suitcase and comes equipped with four built-in shelves and three outer pocket compartments perfect for toiletries. The entire contraption is based off of a series of retractable supports. When the suitcase is in transit, the shelves drop into the case's body. When you're ready to set up the dresser, the support poles pull out and lock into place giving you a clean, organized look at your entire travel wardrobe. 

source: travelandleisure