MUSLIM TOURIST MARKET IS THE FUTURE, SAYS WORLD-RENOWNED HOTEL CHAIN, DOUBLETREE BY HILTON KUALA LUMPUR

Evening panoramic scene of Kuala Lumpur city skyline from the rooftop of a terrace suite in DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur (DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur)

PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA, 7 MAY 2021: International hotel brand DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur (DTHKL), managed by Hilton Worldwide, is committed towards the development of the Islamic Tourism in Malaysia, which it says presents many opportunities to grow.

The hotel, a Muslim-friendly Accommodation Recognition (MFAR)-certified hotel by Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), is nestled in the downtown area within the Golden Triangle district of the Malaysian federal capital city hence providing easy access to not just shopping havens and public transport but also landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers and Suria KLCC.

Commercial Director of DTHKL, Mr Bishoui Khamis, opined: “The Muslim travel market has been a very important part of our business within Malaysia and we see it as a key opportunity in future.”

“There are many reasons that guided us in arriving at our decision to obtain the Muslim-friendly Accommodation Recognition (MFAR) certificate. We realise the potential of the Muslim travel market, and the certification is one of many steps taken to cater to this market and ensuring our Muslims guests a peace of mind while staying with us.”

“By placing focus on the needs of our customers, we endeavour to fulfill our guests’ requirements. We also strive to support Islamic tourism development in Malaysia and such an initiative will undoubtedly further strengthen the national tourism industry especially where the Muslim-friendly travel market segment is concerned,” Mr Bishoui further explained in his statement.

DTHKL did not face much obstacles in pivoting itself to cater to the Muslim travel market. It was a smooth and easy one, having firstly submitted the necessary documents before receiving a visit from ITC to its premises for the latter to conduct checks on the facilities. 

One of the highlights of DTHKL’s Muslim-friendly features has got to be the Makan Kitchen, located at the 11th floor of the hotel. An all-day dine-in restaurant, Makan Kitchen is based upon the unique concept of Malaysia’s diverse demographic, the Malay, Chinese and Indian populations. 

“Besides Makan Kitchen, we also display the qiblat direction in all guests rooms, and a hand bidet is provided in all bathrooms. Prayer mats and the Quran are also available upon request. Suhur and Iftar meals are also provided during the month of Ramadan. Our musollahs are located at Levels 10 and 10M. For information on location of mosques and some other Muslim-friendly attractions, our concierge and front office can provide assistance too,” added Mr Bishoui.

Mr Bishoui is optimistic that there will be a rise in the number of Muslim guests owing to the provision of higher level of services and offerings targeting this segment. The hotel’s  MFAR recognition is also published on the hotel’s website and is described as part of their hotel services which appear in various online travel agencies’ websites.

Commenting on the future of the tourism industry in Malaysia, he said: “I strongly encourage all who are part of the travel industry to apply for the MFAR certification as our ultimate goal is to deliver the best service to all guests.”

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Muslim-friendly Accommodation Recognition — Silver

Certified on: 22 February 2021
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/kuldtdi-doubletree-kuala-lumpur/
https://www.facebook.com/DoubletreeKL/

About Islamic Tourism Centre’s (ITC) Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Recognition (MFAR) initiative

Hotels with the Muslim-friendly Accommodation Recognition (MFAR) certificate provided by Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) are hotels that have made it a point to ease the doubts of Muslim tourists. That means Muslim tourists can be sure that their halal kitchens and dining facilities have been certified by Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia / Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). What’s more, these hotels ensure the availability of Muslim prayer facilities so Muslim guests may perform their religious duties with ease and comfort. Best of all, you never have to worry because these hotels have been registered by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 (Act 482).

But just because they’re labelled “Muslim-friendly” doesn’t mean that they’re only for Muslim visitors. Guests from all walks of life and religious beliefs are welcomed to stay at these hotels. The services and facilities of the hotels are extended to one and all so you get to enjoy the best stay possible regardless of your race or religion.

Each MFAR hotel is rated as either Silver, Gold, or Platinum depending on the depth and breadth of their services and facilities catered to Muslims.

To learn more about the Muslim-friendly Accommodation Recognition issued by Islamic Tourism Centre, please contact salaam@mymuslimtrip.com/v2

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Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is an entity under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia tasked to develop the Islamic tourism (IT) segment for Malaysia. It advocates for Muslim-friendly tourism (MFT) by offering research and market intelligence, training, industry development consultation, Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality (MFTH) services standards and certification, and information exchange.

In 2021, ITC was named the recipient of the Strategic Business Alliance Award at The BrandLaureate World Halal Best Brand E-Branding Awards 2021. It is a recognition of ITC’s efforts and endeavours in formulating new strategies to meet the new normal of the business environment to ensure business continuity and sustainability, notwithstanding its role to develop and grow the IT segment in Malaysia.

In addition, Malaysia was named top country in the region in the MFT sector by the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) Report 2020/21. 

Both recognitions are added motivation for ITC to continue to strengthen its efforts in being a prime mover and leading institution to ensure Malaysia is at the forefront of MFTH.

For further details, kindly contact:

Islamic Tourism Centre,
Level 13, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia
No. 2 Tower 1, Jalan P5/6,
Precinct 5, 62200 Putrajaya, Malaysia

Tel: 03-8891 7177 or via email itc@mymuslimtrip.com/v2