Abu Dhabi advances concept of halal tourism

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) is promoting the Emirate’s extensive credentials and opportunities for halal tourism - a fast emerging concept in the tourism industry that offers a range of packages adhering to Islamic beliefs and practices.

According to the Crescent Rating agency, halal tourism is currently estimated to be worth $179 billion a figure that will rise to $245 billion by 2020.

With Abu Dhabi aiming to become a leading destination for halal tourism, TCA Abu Dhabi, Director of Promotions and Overseas Offices, Mubarak Al Nuaimi explains “Abu Dhabi is firmly rooted in Arabia’s Islamic traditions and we believe our culture, heritage and product base has great appeal with the Muslim traveller.

“We already engage with some of the world’s largest halal travel operators and are discussing this topic with all our stakeholders and encouraging the creation of halal packaging where appropriate.”

With 18 itineraries are being marketed, Al Nuaimi adds “these itineraries provide essential tips on not-to-be-missed attractions and experiences for holiday-makers seeking to maintain the values and modesty of Muslim travellers.

“They show how easy it is to explore the emirate, and can be combined to create action-packed, full day itineraries.

“Certain hotels and many of our stakeholders already target the halal tourism sector, which is expected to grow by almost 6% per annum - almost double global industry growth -  and offer products suitable for the halal tourist.

“We are looking at encouraging a greater number of tour operators to explore and promote this sector.”

In October, Abu Dhabi is hosting The World Halal Travel Summit & Exhibition (WITS15) which will focus strongly on the tourism between the 57 members states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

The summit is expected to draw high profile international attendance from government delegations, tourism associations, market-leading private sector operators and leading financiers funding Islamic tourism projects, and will include 1000-delegate conference, comprising keynote sessions, panel discussions, a Ministerial debate and 150 presentations from 70 international speakers and an exhibition with more than 200 participants.

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3rd April 2013 - ABU DHABI EYES AUSTRALIAN TOURISM BOOST

20th August 2012 - ASIA PREPARES FOR MUSLIM TRAVEL BOOM

31st March 2010 - NEW ONLINE GUIDE LAUNCHED FOR ‘HALAL’ TRAVELLERS