Abu Dhabi is poised to become the regional hub for the lucrative and growing Halal travel sector delegates heard today at the opening of the first World Halal Travel Summit (WHTS2015).
That is the strong message delivered by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) Acting Director General, HE Jasem Al Darmaki to senior private and public sector delegates from the global Halal travel and tourism industry at WHTS2015, which is taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi, and runs until 21 October.
The keynote conference session is one of a number of seminars from industry-leading organisations, destinations and service providers delivering tourism products compliant with Muslim beliefs in a three-day programme investigating destination marketing, product development and quality standards in the Halal travel sector.
Sid Elmoctar El Hadrami, Secretary General Arab Tourism Organization speeking at the World Halal Travel Summit.
“Halal travel is one of the fastest-growing sectors of global tourism and one that’s already worth $135 billion and is set to double within the next five years. Abu Dhabi is placing itself at the heart of this market in the gulf region, and is well placed to meet specific Muslim demands on a number of fronts including food and beverage, segmented family and gender-specific product and segmented sessions for females at mainline attractions, and is host to a number of high and medium-quality dry hotels,”
HE Jasem Al Darmaki, Acting Director General, TCA Abu Dhabi
The TCA Abu Dhabi Acting Director General said Abu Dhabi is already well on course to deliver international marketing initiatives with leading Halal travel partners.
“We have already begun partnering with the world’s leading online accommodation booking platform and our local destination management companies are supporting international operators with Halal products. Meanwhile, we are actively encouraging greater engagement with our expanding public and private sector tourism portfolio suppliers by encouraging investment in resources to support cultural, family-friendly and Muslim-compliant hotels, experiences and attractions.”
Abu Dhabi destination pavilion at the World Halal Travel Summit.
A total of 21 exhibitors will be joining a 225sqm Abu Dhabi destination pavilion as part of an extensive exhibition in ADNEC’s Halls 6 and 7, with an supplementary 219sqm traditional Heritage Village hosting 12 additional Abu Dhabi-based exhibitors.
Participating in the WHTS2015 is an opportunity for many of the emirate’s dry hotel chains to build market presence.
Al Ain’s Al Bada Resort – a luxury complex of 60 exquisitely appointed chalets – boasts a range of 100% Halal-compliant facilities and is using their presence at the summit to promote their forthcoming Al Bada Spa, dedicated to female guests, with indoor temperature-controlled swimming pool with Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms.
Developing products to reach European and GCC Muslim traveller is a priority for Anantara Hotels & Resorts’ said Simona Dobre, Anantara Resorts’ Area Director of Sales at the summit.
“We will be concentrating on highlighting the private secluded villas with private pools at our three properties on Sir Bani Yas Island and the Royal Pavilion Villas at the luxurious Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort & Spa in the heart of the Liwa Desert,”
Simona Dobre, Area Director of Sales, Anantara Resorts
Other hotels participating include the official summit accommodation provider Jannah Hotels and Resorts, Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Hyatt Capital Gate, Le Royal Meridien Hotel Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Ramada Abu Dhabi, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, the recently revamped Millennium Corniche Hotel and the dry Rayhaan Rotana & Al Khalidiya Palace hotels. Emirates Palace – host venue for the inaugural 2015 World Halal Travel Awards being staged on the sidelines of the summit – will also be present.
The World Halal Travel Summit 2015 runs daily from 10am to 6pm at ADNEC until October 21.
