Travel sector may recover sooner than any other post-pandemic
Like everything else, the halal industry was not spared the lashing from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Businesses suffered, and while halal was recognised possibly the fastest-growing model in that sector, it too faced constraints.
The Tokyo Olympics which was supposed to have been staged last year is a case in
point.
Malaysian halal players were set to reap the benefits, but the Games was postponed to this year. While the organisers have stated that “the show will go on”, there is still much apprehension.
Even if it does take place, number of countries will be drastically reduced, and in tandem, the total number of athletes, officials and spectators.
Malaysia epitomises the classic halal destination. However, needless to say, that industry has suffered, along with its stablemates such as hotels, F&B. Recently, it was announced that even Malaysia’s national zoo may have to bring down the shutters by April. That was a favourite tourist destination.
Two major Malaysian halal players share their views on the expected halal trends, but with the caveat that it would all depend on the pandemic.
Halal International Selangor (HIS) Chief Operating Officer Zulkarnine Shah was pragmatic when he said recovery could start in the third quarter of 2021.
“The recovery will happen in a chain-effect manner,” said Zulkarnine.
“People are looking forward to travel but do they dare?”
The Director General of the Islamic
Tourism Centre (ITC) Dato’ Dr. Mohmed Razip Hasan believed travel-ready destinations will bounce back faster than others post-Covid-19.
“The Muslim tourist market with a global population of 1.8 billion and inclination for an extended stay and high-value consumption is an untapped market with huge potentials once the world travels again,” said Razip.
Zukarnine and Razip shared with @Halal their hopes and expectations for 2021.
