Midlands businesses urged to tap into halal tourism boom

BUSINESSES which supply products and services to Muslims are being urged to tap into the global boom in halal tourism.

Tourism experts say the rise of Muslim travellers across the world could be worth millions for UK companies and create a route to do business on an international level.

The first ever Halal Tourism Conference 2014 takes place in Spain next month to look at how the industry can capitalise on one of the fastest growing sectors in the world.

According to the latest figures, the halal tourism sector was worth £84bn in 2013, representing around 13% of global travel expenditures.

This figure is expected to reach £116bn by 2020.

In London, there are 13,400 Muslim-owned businesses making up 33.6% of the total SMEs in the capital.

Tasneem Mahmood, director of Birmingham-based CM Media, which is organising the event, said halal tourism provides excellent opportunities for UK businesses especially those who are in food and drink, tourism and finance.

She said: “We already know that there a number of strong businesses within the UK who already provide products and services to Muslims.

“For example, in the UK alone the halal food industry is worth £1bn while the UK is one of the biggest trading partners to many Muslim countries.

“The tourism sector across the world is now looking at the value of Muslim consumers who are increasing their leisure spend.

“The Halal Tourism Conference is full of delegates and exhibitors from tourism bodies, hotel groups, airlines and tour operators who are desperate to meet the right suppliers and satisfy the increasing demand for halal tourism.”

“We predict that supplying the halal tourism market could potentially be worth millions of pounds to UK businesses.”

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