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Despite extensive damage to the tourism industry caused by the coronavirus outbreak, analysts predict that the rapidly rising halal sector will have a great year.
The worldwide tourism industry was one among the most hit by the pandemic, with the UN estimating a $4 trillion loss in revenue over two years in November last year. However, 2022 might be a defining moment for the industry when borders reopen and vaccine rollouts begin — particularly for places catering to Muslim travelers’ requirements.
According to Ufuk Seçgin, chief marketing officer at HalalBooking, there is “pent up” demand for travel following two years of pandemic-related restrictions. His company, which steers guests to halal-friendly lodging, has actually grown since April 2021 “despite all of the turmoil,” according to Seçgin.
“We saw an excellent recovery,” he added. “We don’t have any reason to believe that this trend won’t continue.”
“A lot of people still haven’t traveled for the last two years so they’re like, ‘OK, 2022 has to be the year’.”
Saudi Arabia, which has been investing extensively in its own tourism industry in recent years, is one of the possible beneficiaries of this travel boom, according to Seçgin. He stated that on a recent visit to the Kingdom, he witnessed the potential in its tourist business after doing Umrah, snorkeling in Jeddah, and exploring AlUla’s historical sites all in one trip.
