Latest news with #HalalTravel
Zawya
30-07-2025
- Zawya
Germany unveils bilingual Halal Travel Guide tailored for GCC travellers
Highlights Muslim-friendly experiences and culturally considerate stays across Germany's cities and scenic regions AI-powered chatbot supports Muslim travellers with real-time answers Dubai: The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) has launched the Germany Halal Travel Guide, a dedicated resource designed to support Muslim travellers in planning seamless, culturally respectful journeys throughout Germany. Available in both English and Arabic, the guide can be downloaded free of charge from a dedicated microsite hosted on the official Germany Travel website. Created with the expectations of GCC visitors in mind, the guide features practical information and curated recommendations. It highlights halal dining, prayer spaces, and culturally considerate stays that help visitors from the region feel comfortable and confident while exploring Germany. Germany Welcomes All with Comfort, Respect and Accessibility Germany continues to grow as a preferred destination for travellers from the GCC, supported by a well-developed infrastructure, strong hospitality standards, and an inclusive approach to tourism. In cities such as Berlin, Dresden, Dusseldorf and Munich, visitors can enjoy a wide selection of halal restaurants, Arabic-speaking staff, and accessible prayer spaces, all contributing to a sense of ease and belonging. The Germany Halal Travel Guide offers valuable insights for Muslim travellers seeking experiences aligned with their lifestyle and travel preferences. Whether visiting for leisure, medical care, education, or retail tourism, the guide introduces options that support spiritual needs and cultural expectations. It also showcases Germany's natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and world-class wellness facilities in a format that makes trip planning both efficient and rewarding. Yamina Sofo, Director of the Marketing and Sales Office, GNTO GCC, said: 'The launch of our Halal Travel Guide reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring Muslim travellers feel informed and welcomed in Germany. The guide presents clear, accessible information to support planning and create a worry-free travel experience. We are committed to showing guests from the GCC that Germany is a destination where they can explore freely while staying connected to their faith and traditions.' Meaningful Travel Experiences Across Cities and Countryside The guide presents region-specific insights from across Germany, connecting Muslim-friendly services with iconic landmarks and hidden gems. In Berlin, visitors will find a vibrant city that embraces diversity, while destinations like Munich offer scenic relaxation with culturally aware hospitality. From luxury shopping in Düsseldorf to the historic architecture of Dresden, the guide outlines accessible experiences that reflect the wide interests of GCC travellers. Each destination includes references to services such as prayer facilities, halal food options, and accommodation that meets the expectations of Muslim guests. In addition, the guide supports itinerary planning by suggesting travel tips and destination pairings that simplify decision-making for both first-time and returning visitors. The result is a travel resource that makes it easier to balance spiritual considerations with leisure and discovery. Smart Digital Tools Enhance Access and Confidence To further support travellers, GNTO has introduced an AI-powered chatbot on the Halal Travel Guide microsite. This interactive assistant allows users to ask real-time questions such as where to find halal restaurants in Munich or the closest mosque to a specific hotel in Berlin. The chatbot is available in both English and Arabic, offering instant access to practical travel information from the guide, specifically tailored to Muslim visitors. This innovation reflects GNTO's broader focus on digital transformation, multilingual engagement, and smart tools that empower travellers to plan independently. The chatbot complements the guide's user-friendly format and serves as an accessible touchpoint for GCC visitors seeking trusted information both before and during their visit. Yamina Sofo added: 'We know that convenience and clarity matter. The chatbot is an example of how we are using digital tools to support travellers from the GCC with real-time, useful answers. Our goal is to create meaningful connections and make planning a visit to Germany easier and more enjoyable for everyone.' Germany offers GCC families a welcoming travel experience, with Arabic-speaking services, family-friendly activities, and scenic lakes ideal for all ages. Improved air connectivity with direct flights to major cities makes accessing these natural retreats easier than ever, opening the door to a journey that blends culture, comfort and discovery. The Germany Halal Travel Guide and AI chatbot are available here - About the GNTB The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) works on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy to represent Germany as a tourist destination and is funded by the Ministry in accordance with a decision taken by the German Bundestag. As the central organisation for promoting inbound tourism to Germany, the GNTB works closely with the German travel industry and private-sector partners and trade associations to develop strategies and marketing campaigns that promote Germany's positive image abroad as a travel destination and encourage tourists to visit the country. The aim is to unlock future commercial potential and thus add value to the German economy by attracting international visitors to Germany. The GNTB's primary strategic areas of action are: Targeted market research and detailed analysis of global travel trends and market-specific customer demand Supporting the German travel industry, which is dominated by small and medium-sized businesses, by sharing expertise and connecting German providers with the international travel trade. Raising awareness of the Destination Germany brand and enhancing the brand profile with a focus on digital transformation The 'Germany. Simply inspiring' brand profile represents a high-quality, service-oriented, sustainable, and inclusive travel destination in the market. From its head office in Frankfurt, the GNTB manages 19 foreign representative offices in established and in high-potential source markets. For further information and media queries, please contact: Bashar Antoun | Director of PR | Neo Social & PR germany@ | Follow GNTO's accounts on social media:
Zawya
18-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index reveals trends shaping the future of Halal travel
Dubai, UAE – As awareness of Muslim travelers' needs grows, Halal travel is increasingly shaping how destinations design and deliver experiences. According to the newly released 2025 Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), international Muslim arrivals reached 176 million in 2024 – up 25% from 2023 – and are projected to grow to 245 million by 2030. By then, total travel spending is expected to reach USD$230 billion, highlighting the growing influence and economic potential of this vibrant market. To stay competitive, travel and tourism stakeholders must adapt to the evolving needs of Muslim travelers, prioritizing purpose, inclusivity, and digital innovation. The 10th edition of the GMTI identifies the key trends and destination leaders shaping the future of Halal-friendly travel. Key Consumer Trends Impacting Halal Travel GMTI 2025 highlights five important trends shaping Muslim travel preferences today: Smart Apps for Halal Journeys: Muslim travelers are embracing digital tools that offer seamless access to faith-aligned services and personalized experiences. The Modern Female Muslim Traveler: Women are shaping the Halal travel sector in powerful ways, driving demand for safer, inclusive, and thoughtfully designed spaces. Muslim-friendly facilities: Destinations that offer alcohol-free environments, Halal-certified dining, prayer facilities, and gender-segregated pools and spas are becoming essential. Solo Travel Surge: Younger Muslim travelers are embracing solo adventures, favoring autonomy and personalized itineraries. Digital Detox Retreats: Inspired by Islamic values of mindfulness and balance, many travelers are seeking tech-free escapes rooted in nature and spirituality. Destinations Leading the Way in Muslim-Friendly Travel The GMTI 2025 highlights leading destinations around the world that are setting benchmarks in Muslim-friendly travel. Among OIC destinations, Malaysia retains the top spot, recognized for its accessible Halal-friendly services and infrastructure. Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share the second spot, each offering a strong combination of cultural heritage, modern amenities, and dedicated efforts to enhance the Muslim travel experience. Indonesia also ranks highly, supported by its rich cultural appeal. Other notable destinations in the Gulf region include Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait, all of which continue to strengthen their offerings for Muslim travelers. Among non-OIC destinations, Singapore remains the leader – recognized for its emphasis on inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Thailand and the Philippines are steadily emerging as rising Muslim-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia. Thailand offers warm hospitality and a growing range of Halal-certified services, while the Philippines is enhancing its capacity to serve Muslim travelers through better Halal food access and Muslim-friendly features at key tourist sites. In addition, Hong Kong has emerged as standout non-OIC destination, ranking third in the GMTI 2025. The city has invested significantly in Muslim-friendly infrastructure, with 61 hotels accredited by CrescentRating and 153 restaurants Halal-certified by the Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong. Hong Kong also received the Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year award, part of the Global Muslim Travel Index Awards. Taiwan has also continuously positioned itself as a Muslim-friendly destination, offering a welcoming environment that respects cultural and religious diversity. Over 230 restaurants and hotels have been Halal-certified by the Chinese Muslim Association, many of which include separate kitchens to meet dietary requirements. With the global Muslim travel market entering a dynamic new growth phase, GMTI 2025 serves as a timely guide for stakeholders looking to tap into this fast-evolving landscape. Download the full GMTI 2025 report here: About CrescentRating CrescentRating is the leading authority on Halal travel and tourism. The company uses insights, industry intelligence, lifestyle, behavior and research on the needs of the Muslim traveler to deliver authoritative guidance on all aspects of Halal travel to organizations across the globe. Founded in 2008, CrescentRating services are used by every tier of the tourism industry, from government bodies and tourism agencies to hospitality service providers, to better serve the needs of the Muslim traveler. CrescentRating's products and services include rating & accreditation, research & consultancy, training, & certification (CR Academy), industry reports, Halal-In-Travel conferences, HalalChefWorld program, destination marketing and content provisioning. HalalTrip is a sister brand of CrescentRating. Website: Facebook: Twitter: LinkedIn: About Mastercard (NYSE: MA), Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential. Appendix – 2025 Global Muslim Travel Index Rankings and Awards GMTI 2025 Rank Top 10 Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Destinations GMTI 2025 Rank Top 10 Non-OIC Destinations 1 Malaysia 1 Singapore 2 Türkiye 2 United Kingdom 2 Saudi Arabia 3 Hong Kong* 2 United Arab Emirates 4 Taiwan 5 Indonesia 5 Thailand 5 Qatar 6 Ireland 7 Oman 6 Australia 7 Kuwait 8 Philippines 9 Jordan 9 Spain 9 Iran 9 Germany *Hong Kong received the Most Promising Muslim Friendly Destination of the Year, having improved their GMTI score by 10 points – the biggest jump among non-OIC destinations.
New Straits Times
12-06-2025
- New Straits Times
'Halal Travel' campaign to empower Muslim globetrotters
REV Media Group has launched Halal Travel, a campaign designed to support Muslim travellers with practical and halal-conscious solutions, running from May to December. The initiative is driven by four of the group's digital platforms — My Resipi, Sirap Limau, VOCKET and Waktu Solat Malaysia — each contributing curated content, tools and guides to build a supportive travel ecosystem aligned with Islamic values. REV Media Group senior sponsored content writer Muhamad Shaifullah Tayep said many Muslims still struggle to find halal food, prayer spaces and culturally respectful experiences when travelling abroad. "Through Halal Travel, we want to bridge that gap and make it easier for Muslims to explore the world with confidence and peace of mind," he said. The campaign brings together the expertise of these four distinct platforms to offer a holistic experience tailored for Muslim travellers of all backgrounds: Together, they form a seamless digital travel companion for Muslim travellers. The campaign also seeks to raise awareness of halal travel standards and encourage culturally immersive experiences. These include pre-planned itineraries, halal eateries, prayer space locators and destination-specific etiquette tips. Tools such as a Qibla finder and live prayer times are integrated into the campaign's microsite. "Halal Travel isn't just about food — it's about feeling respected and comfortable in a foreign environment," Shaifullah added. "Whether you're finding the nearest mosque or looking for family-friendly activities that don't compromise your beliefs, this campaign is about ensuring Muslim travellers feel seen, supported and inspired." The campaign will run in three phases:
