The 2024 Halal in Travel (HIT) Awards ceremony, held at the Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium on Thursday, 30th May 2024, was a grand celebration of innovation, dedication, and excellence in the Halal travel industry. The event, marked by an impressive gathering of industry leaders and trailblazers, honored the year's top performers across various categories. These awards not only recognize the outstanding contributions to Muslim-friendly travel but also set new benchmarks for quality and service in the industry. Let's delve into the remarkable achievements of this year’s winners.
Mastercard-CrescentRating GMTI Awards saw several destinations being recognized for their dedication to creating Muslim-friendly environments:
Malaysia and Indonesia have once again demonstrated their exceptional dedication to the Muslim travel market by jointly clinching the prestigious accolade of Top Destination of the Year. This honor underscores their relentless efforts in enhancing Muslim-friendly offerings, ensuring cultural authenticity, and upholding the highest standards of hospitality.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the heartland of Islamic heritage, earned the 3rd Top Destination of The Year, highlighting its significant progress and commitment to accommodating the needs of Muslim travelers. Congratulations to the Saudi Arabian tourism sector for this commendable achievement.
Singapore has been recognized as the Top Destination of the Year (non-OIC), affirming its position as a premier destination for Muslim travelers outside the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries. Their unwavering dedication to providing exceptional experiences for Muslim travelers and promoting cultural inclusivity has been justly acknowledged. Congratulations to the Singapore Tourism Board for this well-deserved honor.
Under the Muslim-friendly Service Provider Awards category, several outstanding organizations were lauded for their commitment to delivering tailored offerings that cater to the needs and preferences of Muslim travelers. This recognition celebrates their innovation and dedication to excellence, setting new benchmarks in the industry.
Fairmont Singapore has been awarded the prestigious title of Muslim-friendly Hotel of the Year. Theo Ocks, Commercial General Manager, accepted the award, celebrating Fairmont Singapore's exceptional hospitality experiences for Muslim travelers. Congratulations to Fairmont Singapore for their outstanding achievements.
Adin Beach Hotel, represented by Hilal Uysal Namal, Vice Chairman of BOD, received the accolade for Muslim-friendly Beach Resort of The Year. This picturesque resort has set new standards in providing a serene and inclusive beachside experience, complete with halal dining options and private, family-friendly beach areas.
Movenpick Hotel and Convention Center KLIA, accepted by Nur Diana Liew, Assistant Director of Sales & Catering, was awarded the Muslim-friendly Convention & Exhibition Centre of The Year. With its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to halal hospitality, Movenpick has become the preferred choice for international conferences and events.
Taiwan Learning Trip, represented by Tammy Chien, was named Muslim-friendly Tour Operator of The Year. This innovative tour operator has been instrumental in promoting Taiwan as a vibrant destination for Muslim travelers, offering tailor-made experiences that highlight the country’s unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Royal Brunei Airlines has been awarded the prestigious title of Muslim-friendly Airline of the Year. Nur Rita Syakirah Abdullah Kaur, Senior Vice President Guest Experience and Service Delivery, accepted the award, recognizing their outstanding leadership in the airline industry. Congratulations to Royal Brunei Airlines and Nur Rita Syakirah Abdullah Kaur.
Bukhara, celebrated as the Islamic Heritage Destination of The Year, captivates travelers with its timeless charm and profound historical significance. This ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Islamic culture and architecture.
Turespaña’s (Andalucía) innovative marketing campaign was honored as the Halal Travel Marketing Campaign of The Year. This campaign brilliantly showcased Andalucía’s rich Islamic heritage and diverse offerings, successfully attracting Muslim travelers from around the globe.
Singapore once again proved its culinary prowess by winning the title of Most Diverse Halal Dining City of The Year. The city’s vibrant food scene, featuring a myriad of halal dining options from various cultures, ensures that Muslim travelers can indulge in an array of delectable cuisines.
Ikuto Hongu, more famously known as @navito_halal on Instagram, was named Halal Travel Influencer of The Year for his impactful contributions to promoting halal travel. Through his engaging content and authentic storytelling, Ikuto has inspired countless travelers to explore the world through a halal-friendly lens.
Dr. Mohamed Battour, accepted by Dr. Nurhafizh, was recognized as Halal Travel Scholar of The Year. Dr. Battour’s pioneering research and academic contributions have significantly advanced the understanding and development of halal tourism, making him a revered figure in the industry.
The 2024 Halal in Travel Awards highlighted the exceptional achievements and innovations within the halal travel sector. From top destinations and service providers to influential personalities, the winners have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to enhancing the travel experiences of Muslim travelers. As the industry continues to evolve, these trailblazers will undoubtedly inspire future advancements, ensuring that halal travel remains a vibrant and inclusive segment of the global tourism market.
The awards were presented during the Halal In Travel Global Summit 2024, a pioneering event dedicated to driving growth, innovation, and inclusivity in the global travel and tourism industry. The Summit and the awards aim to spotlight leaders who are paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse travel sector.
