Latest news with #halaltourism
South China Morning Post
02-07-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's complex social problems demand transparent and collective effort
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@ or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification Hong Kong celebrated the 28th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule on Tuesday. The government has made progress in some areas: Support for innovation and technology, local businesses and community engagement are positive steps. Promoting halal tourism not only attracts more Muslim travellers but also underscores the city's commitment to diversity and inclusion. The government has allocated grants to address environmental issues and support youth development. While these efforts are commendable, agencies, including NGOs, responsible for managing these funds must operate transparently. Proper oversight is crucial to ensure resources are used effectively. The government's support for small and medium-sized enterprises through various schemes is appreciated, but there have been cases of misuse of the 100 per cent government-guaranteed loan scheme. Strengthening monitoring and enforcement is vital. Similarly, the process of approving and regulating charitable organisations must be more rigorous. Income inequality and poverty remain urgent concerns. The high cost of living, limited affordable housing and unequal access to opportunities have widened the wealth gap. Targeted social welfare programmes, increased support for low-income families and expanded affordable housing are essential.
Arab News
14-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Philippines recognized as rising Muslim-friendly destination at halal travel summit
MANILA:The Philippines has been recognized as a rising Muslim-friendly destination at this year's Halal in Travel Global Summit, where one of the country's officials and a Filipino hotel chain were also honored for their work in promoting halal tourism. The Philippines stands among three other countries — Thailand, Ireland and Spain — in the Rising Muslim-friendly non-Organization of Islamic Cooperation Destinations in the latest edition of the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index. The index is an annual report benchmarking destinations in the Muslim travel market. At the summit in Singapore earlier this week, Philippine Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar was named Halal Travel Personality of the Year, while the country's largest hotel operator, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, won the Muslim-friendly Hotel Chain of The Year Award. 'This means that the DOT (Department of Tourism) is on the right track with our programs for Muslim-friendly and halal tourism. We have already done a lot but there is still so much to be done,' Abubakar, who was recognized for her 'instrumental role' in advancing Muslim-friendly tourism in the Philippines, told Arab News on Saturday. The archipelagic country, known for its white-sand beaches, diving spots and rich culture, has in recent years stepped up efforts to cater to Muslim tourists by ensuring that they have access to halal products and services. 'We have to continue moving forward and upward as the Muslim Market is a big market waiting to be tapped,' Abubakar said. The Muslim travel market is on the rise, with international Muslim arrivals reaching 176 million people in 2024, according to the GMTI. The report estimates that the market will grow to 245 million arrivals by 2030, with their travel expenditure reaching $235 billion. The index has noted the Philippines' efforts to become a Muslim-friendly destination since 2021, and awarded the country the Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination accolade at the halal travel summit in 2023. While the category has been removed for the 2025 edition, the GMTI covered the Philippines and its efforts to promote halal tourism, such as establishing more Muslim-friendly airports, to create a more inclusive travel experience. The predominantly Catholic country — where Muslims constitute about 10 percent of the almost 120 million population — also launched last year a beach dedicated to Muslim women travelers in Boracay, the country's top resort island and one of the world's most popular. Those efforts, part of the Philippines' move to diversify its economy away from dependency on the declining Chinese market, have led to a recent surge in international tourism arrivals from countries in the Middle East and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Halal Holidays Officially Launches HalalHolidaysasia to Meet the Soaring Demand for Muslim Friendly Travel Across Asia
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA / / May 31, 2025 / Halal Holidays today announced the official launch of its dedicated Muslim-friendly travel platform, addressing the rapidly expanding halal tourism sector projected to reach US$225 billion by 2028. The new platform offers fully halal-certified travel packages, accommodations, and seamless booking experiences specifically designed for faith-conscious travellers. The launch comes as industry research from CrescentRating indicates Asia is positioned to become the next major halal travel hotspot, with Muslim travellers increasingly seeking travel options that align with their religious requirements while still delivering premium experiences. "Halal Holidays was founded with a simple mission: to make it easy for Muslims to travel confidently and comfortably," said Vincent Tan, founder of Halal Holidays. "We understand that faith plays a crucial role in travel decisions, and our goal is to provide a platform whereMuslim travellers can find reliable, convenient, and fulfilling holiday options - all in one place." The newly launched website features a comprehensive range of halal-certified travel packages across popular Asian destinations, including Thailand, Japan, Turkey, the Maldives, South Korea, Indonesia, and the UAE. Each package guarantees essential Muslim-friendly amenities including 100% halal-certified meals, prayer facilities, modest accommodation options, and culturally sensitive services. differentiates itself through specialized offerings, including halal beach holidays, family-friendly packages, luxury escapes, cultural tours highlighting Islamic heritage sites, and Umrah Add-On Packages that combine spiritual journeys with leisure travel. The platform's Umrah series allows travellers to coordinate religious pilgrimages with visits to nearby countries while maintaining Islamic etiquette. "From search to booking, we've made sure delivers a frictionless and trustworthy experience," said Vincent Tan. "We want to eliminate the anxiety Muslims often feel when booking travel, especially when unsure about halal options abroad." The mobile-responsive platform enables users to browse packages by destination, theme, or travel type, with transparent information about included halal amenities. The site also offers real-time support from Muslim travel consultants fluent in English, Malay, and Arabic. Post-pandemic travel trends show Muslim travellers increasingly prioritizing meaningful experiences, spiritual rejuvenation, and ethical tourism options. Asia's cultural diversity, affordability, and growing Muslim population position it as an ideal region for halal tourism growth. The company has established strategic partnerships with halal-certified hotels, Islamic tour operators, restaurants, and community centres to build a comprehensive ecosystem for Muslim travellers. Future development plans include a mobile app, loyalty programs, and content collaborations with Muslim lifestyle influencers. "We're not just selling vacations. We're helping Muslims reconnect with the world, with their families, and with their faith - through travel," added Vincent Tan. For more information or to book a halal-certified holiday package, visit About Halal Holidays Halal Holidays is a specialized travel company dedicated to providing halal-certified, Muslim-friendly travel packages for modern travellers. With a focus on spiritual comfort, cultural discovery, and seamless booking experiences, the company serves individual travellers, families, and corporate groups throughout Asia and beyond. Contact Details Halal Holidays Vincent Tan+60 3-9282 3060info@ Company Website SOURCE: Halal Holidays View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Al Bawaba
06-05-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Moscow Kicks Off the Summer Tourism Season for Visitors from Qatar
The Moscow City Tourism Committee's presentation emphasized Moscow's growing appeal as both a leisure and business tourism destination. Key initiatives for 2025, such as expanding halal tourism infrastructure, enhancing connectivity with the Middle East, and promoting the city's cultural offerings, were discussed in detail. As part of the event, a dedicated business mission was held, bringing together more than 100 representatives of the local Qatari tour operators and their Moscow counterparts. This session provided an excellent opportunity for networking, discussions on expanding tourism exchanges, and fostering partnerships that will benefit both regions. The business session focused on deepening collaboration, promoting new travel initiatives, and exploring opportunities for growth in the tourism sector. This event was a continuation of the series of the Moscow City Tourism Committee's business meeting on the Middle East, which took place in February 2025. 'We understand the importance of providing a comfortable and culturally sensitive environment, and we are constantly working to enhance our infrastructure to cater to the needs of our Arab visitors. During recent discussions, we reinforced our commitment to offering Halal-friendly dining options and Arabic-speaking support services, and we're particularly looking forward to the exciting summer months with its fantastic festivals, events and cultural offerings.' — said Magomed Mezhiev, Head of the International Cooperation Directorate. Moscow ensures a comfortable and welcoming experience for all its visitors, including those from the Arab world. During the business session, the city's tourism potential was discussed, with a particular emphasis on the vibrant summer season. Representatives of the Moscow City Tourism Committee highlighted the numerous festivals, events, and cultural celebrations planned, promising an unforgettable experience for visitors. A growing number of restaurants and cafes in Moscow are certified Halal, offering a variety of delicious and authentic cuisine. Dedicated tourist information centers staffed with Arabic-speaking professionals are available to assist with any needs, making navigation and planning effortless. For further details and upcoming events, visit
