Honoring Leaders in Muslim-Friendly Tourism at the 2024 Halal In Travel Awards

The Halal In Travel Awards 2024, hosted at the Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, marked the grand finale of the 4th Halal In Travel Global Summit. This prestigious annual event celebrates outstanding achievements and innovations in the Muslim-friendly travel sector, highlighting the global impact of destinations, service providers, and marketing campaigns dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of the Muslim travel market.

Recognizing Excellence Across Four Key Categories

Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) Awards These awards recognize destinations that excelled in the GMTI 2024, creating welcoming environments for Muslim travelers. The 2024 honorees are:

• Top Muslim-friendly Destination of The Year: Malaysia
  Renowned for its rich cultural heritage and inclusive tourism infrastructure, Malaysia offers a seamless and enriching travel experience for Muslim visitors.
• Top Muslim-friendly Destination of The Year: Indonesia
  Indonesia’s diverse cultural landscape and robust halal tourism initiatives make it a top destination for Muslim travelers seeking both adventure and spirituality.
• 3rd Top Muslim-friendly Destination of The Year: Saudi Arabia
  As the heart of Islamic heritage, Saudi Arabia remains a beacon for Muslim travelers, enhancing its offerings to ensure a fulfilling pilgrimage and travel experience.
• Top Destination of The Year (non-OIC): Singapore
  Singapore’s vibrant multicultural environment and commitment to halal-friendly amenities make it a prime destination for Muslim travelers worldwide.

Muslim-Friendly Service Provider Awards These awards celebrate establishments that provide exceptional and tailor-made services for Muslim travelers. This year’s distinguished awardees include:

• Muslim-Friendly Hotel of The Year: Fairmont Singapore
  Renowned for its luxurious accommodations and exceptional halal-certified dining options, Fairmont Singapore sets the standard for Muslim-friendly hospitality.
• Muslim-Friendly Beach Resort of The Year: Adin Beach Hotel
  This exquisite resort offers a unique blend of relaxation and halal-friendly amenities, ensuring a memorable stay for Muslim guests.
• Muslim-Friendly Convention & Exhibition Centre of The Year: Movenpick Hotel and Convention Center KLIA
  With state-of-the-art facilities and a solid commitment to halal services, this convention center leads in hosting international events for the Muslim community.
• Muslim-Friendly Tour Operator of The Year: Taiwan Learning Trip
  Known for its culturally immersive tours and halal-friendly services, Taiwan Learning Trip offers unparalleled travel experiences for Muslim tourists.
• Muslim-Friendly Airline of The Year: Royal Brunei Airlines
  Royal Brunei Airlines excels in providing top-notch services that cater specifically to the needs of Muslim travelers, ensuring a comfortable and respectful journey.

HalalTrip Travelers Choice Awards These awards highlight destinations offering enriching and authentic halal-friendly travel experiences:

• Islamic Heritage Destination of The Year: Bukhara
  Bukhara, with its profound historical and cultural significance, offers travelers an immersive experience into the heart of Islamic heritage.
• Halal Travel Marketing Campaign of The Year: Andalusia
  Turespana’s innovative marketing campaign for Andalucia has successfully highlighted its rich Islamic history and halal-friendly attractions, drawing Muslim travelers from around the globe.
• Most Diverse Halal Dining City of The Year: Singapore
  Known for its diverse culinary scene, Singapore offers an array of halal dining options, making it a gastronomic paradise for Muslim food enthusiasts.

Halal Travel Personalities of the Year These awards honor individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting and enhancing halal travel:

• Halal Travel Influencer of The Year: Ikuto Hongu (@navito_halal)
  Through engaging content and authentic experiences, Ikuto Hongu has become a trusted voice and influential figure in the halal travel community.
• Halal Travel Tour Guide of The Year: Fayrouz Holliday-October
  Known for her deep knowledge and passionate storytelling, Fayrouz Holliday-October provides exceptional guided tours highlighting various destinations’ rich Islamic heritage.
• Halal Travel Scholar of The Year: Dr. Mohamed Battour
  Dr. Battour’s scholarly contributions to halal travel have provided valuable insights and advancements, influencing the industry’s growth and development.

Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of CrescentRating & HalalTrip, remarked, “The Halal In Travel Awards is not just about recognition, it’s about inspiring more destinations and service providers to cater to the needs of Muslim travelers. This year’s awardees are pioneers, demonstrating a commitment to creating inclusive and innovative travel experiences for the global Muslim community. Their dedication not only enhances the travel experience for Muslim tourists but also sets a high standard for the industry as a whole. This is just the beginning of a journey towards a more inclusive and diverse travel industry.”