Kuoni Group Travel Experts, a leading group travel provider, has signed a partnership deal with Crescentrating, a leading authority on halal travel, to market halal friendly group travel arrangements.

Under the deal, Muslim families, leisure and MICE groups can enjoy better travel experiences around the world through a network of Crescentrating accredited travel agents in Asia.

The two companies will begin distributing their first brochure – aimed at businesses selling travel to Muslim clients – in Asia next month.

The partnership launched at the close of the Global Islamic Economy Summit in Dubai, which concluded yesterday (November 26) in Dubai, highlights the value of the global Islamic economy and latest trends within halal industries such as food, travel and lifestyle.

The world’s Muslim population is expected to increase by 35 per cent in the next 20 year, from a recorded 1.6 billion people in 2010. About 60 per cent of them live in the Asia-Pacific region, with Indonesia and India among nations with the largest Muslim populations.

China, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand also offer significant numbers of potential Muslim travellers.

Olivier Moeschler, senior vice president for Sales and Marketing Asia Pacific and the Americas, Kuoni, said: “We look forward to further expanding our range of halal friendly travel destinations, accommodation and experiences through this partnership. Last year, the number of room nights booked by group travellers out of Indonesia and India enjoyed double digit growth. Many of Asia’s businesses also rely on us to ensure the project management of meetings, incentives, congresses and events with large numbers of Muslim delegates who have specific halal or religious requirements.”

Dany Bolduc, chief operating officer for Crescentrating, said: “We are committed to establishing a leadership position in Muslim group travel, a huge and underserved market worth $130 billion in 2013. By combining our strengths and knowledge of this market, we can offer unique and curated group travel packages that are tailor-made for Muslim travellers, attentively managed by Crescentrated accredited travel agents.”

Crescentrating allows hotels and service providers to be rated based on the services and facilities that they provide for the needs of halal-conscious travellers. Their rating system is separated into areas such as halal food and Salaath (prayer) facilities, services during Ramadan and the level of non-halal activities in the hotel. - TradeArabia News Service