Halal Tourism Conference Attracts Hotel Experts

The inaugural international Halal Tourism Conference 2014, scheduled for September 22-23 in Andalucía, Spain, marks a significant milestone in the travel industry. This pioneering event aims to carve out a space for dialogue on the burgeoning market of halal tourism, addressing both the vast opportunities it offers and the challenges it poses to the sector.

The conference is set to feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including Chris Nader, Vice President of Development at Shaza Hotels (an affiliate of Kempinski Hotels), and Hani Lashin, Group General Manager at Al Jawhara Group of Hotels. These industry veterans are expected to enrich the forum with their extensive expertise and insights into the halal tourism market.

Tasneem Mahmood, Director of CM Media, the organizing body behind the conference, highlighted the event’s potential to foster educational discussions and promote business partnerships among participants. With Turkish Airlines as a sponsor, the conference anticipates a diverse international audience, comprising around 500 delegates and exhibitors from the Middle East, Far East, and Europe. The attendees will span a wide range of sectors, including hotels, tourism boards, tour agencies, operators, restaurants, media, and airlines, illustrating the comprehensive impact of halal tourism across the industry.

One of the highlights of the two-day event will be the unveiling of the Muslim Travel Index Europe 2014. This report, drawing on travel research from Saudi Arabian, United Arab Emirates, and Malaysian residents, aims to shed light on the travel behaviors and attitudes of Muslim populations towards tourism in Europe, as well as their experiences in European countries.

Through seminars, workshops, networking sessions, and an exhibition, the Halal Tourism Conference 2014 promises to be a pivotal event, sparking discussions and initiatives that could lead to significant transformations in the global tourism industry. The focus on halal tourism reflects a growing recognition of the need to cater to the preferences and requirements of Muslim travelers, thereby opening new avenues for development and collaboration within the travel and hospitality sectors.