Sunway Lost World Hotel is favoured choice among travellers who seek lodgings that meet their cultural and religious needs
BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
The Muslim travel industry can emerge in Perak, said Sunway Lost World Hotel (SLWH) General Manager Nurul Nuzairi Mohd Azahari.
“We can see increased demand for halal tourism products due to changes
in social and economic conditions where Muslims are the majority. Therefore, the Muslim travel market is essential and lucrative to SLWH.”
SLWH, he said, sought to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests, regardless of religious or cultural background, by providing relevant amenities and facilities.
“We make every effort to provide services that meet the needs of Muslim travellers. It allows them to enjoy their vacation without jeopardising their religious obligations.”
SLWH has received Muslim-friendly Accommodation Recognition (MFAR) silver category from the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC).
Enhanced reputation and appeal among Muslim travellers
The MFAR recognition establishes the SLWH as a favoured choice among Muslim travellers who seek lodgings that meet their cultural and religious needs.
“This attracts a loyal customer base and contributes to SLWH’s long-term prosperity. This results in more reservations, higher occupancy rates, and higher revenue for the hotel.”
He also noted that the prestigious recognition helps generate positive reviews and feedback from Muslim travellers.
“These reviews can further enhance the hotel’s reputation and appeal among Muslim travellers, as potential guests rely on the experiences of others to make informed decisions about their accommodations.”
The MFAR recognition also has motivated SLWH to prioritise and enhance their Muslim-friendly services and offerings
“This acknowledgement encourages hotel staff to continue providing high-quality services and offerings that cater to the demands of Muslim travellers.
“Reviewing the guests’ feedback and recommendations, these testimonials provide first-hand insights into the impact of visitors’ experiences. This feedback is useful for the hotel in identifying areas for improvement and continuously improving its offerings.”
SLWH, he said, would continually improve and create a welcoming and inclusive environment that enhances the overall guest experience.
SLWH’s Muslim-friendly amenities
“We understand that many Muslim travellers travel with their families. Therefore we offer family-friendly amenities such as connecting rooms and extra beds. It is to ensure that we can improve the comfort and convenience of Muslim families during their stay.”
SLWH’s kitchen facilities and food preparation also meet halal standards, providing halal food to their Muslim guests. SLWH also has praying rooms for males and females at the hotel and Qibla direction indicators in hotel rooms.
Other key features and amenities that make SLWH a Muslim-friendly hotel include halal certification, prayer mat and Quran, cleanliness, and modesty.
Nurul Nuzairi also shared plans for further improvement in this segment to better cater to the needs and preferences of Muslim travellers.
“We plan to consistently gather feedback and improve our services and offerings to cater to Muslim travellers’ needs and preferences.
“We will also partner with more local businesses and organisations that cater to the Muslim community.
“And lastly, training and educating staff to ensure they understand Muslim culture and customs well.”
Muslim women-friendly destination
Muslim women travellers hold the right to freely wear a fully covered outfit aligned with Sharia compliance and personal beliefs, Nurul Nuzairi opined.
He said Malaysia is known for promoting Islamic tourism and has been recognised as a Muslim-friendly destination.
“Our country provides various attractions and amenities such as women-only swimming pools, spas, and prayer rooms. These areas offer Muslim women travellers more privacy and comfort.
“Therefore, Malaysia’s recognition as a Muslim-friendly destination, as well as its efforts to meet the needs and preferences of Muslim women travellers, make it an appealing option for those seeking a welcoming and culturally accommodating destination.”