Bangkok (Thailand) – July 7, 2017 (travelindex.com) – Thailand’s six million Muslims and the growing range of Muslim-friendly products and services are playing a vital role in managing the increasing number of tourists and visitors from around the world, a group of Thai Muslim travel experts noted. At an exclusive seminar (a new acronym for “research” and “seminar”) held at the PATA Engagement Hub on July 4, 2017, industry representatives agreed that this importance will increase significantly in the future as the ASEAN integration process progresses and Thailand strives to position itself as a center for halal food and cuisine.

Speakers included Dr. Pakorn Piyakorn, Director of the Halal Standards Institute of Thailand; Mr. Sanya Saengboon, General Manager of the Al Meroz Hotel; Mr. Adam Phadungsilp, Resident Manager of the Nouvo City Hotel; and Imtiaz Muqbil, Editor-in-Chief of Travel Impact Newswire. The event was organized by Travel Impact Newswire. The speakers pointed out that Thailand ranks second only to Singapore in popularity as a travel destination for Muslim visitors among non-member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), but has enormous potential to surpass its ASEAN neighbor if appropriate marketing strategies and training programs are implemented.

The event was opened by PATA CEO Mario Hardy, who highlighted the association's growing commitment to the Islamic world. This included various PATA events in Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, as well as the increasing membership from Middle Eastern countries. Imtiaz Muqbil of Travel Impact Newswire noted that promoting Muslim-friendly travel to Thailand aligns with the wishes of the revered late King Bhumibol to create an inclusive society for all Thais. This also contributes to ASEAN's integration process, as outlined in the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Plan.

According to the April 2017 flight schedule, Thailand offered over 730 weekly flights from cities in 17 predominantly Muslim countries – more than any other Asian country. Citizens of 12 predominantly Muslim countries can enter visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival. Visitors from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait spent the most on average per day, according to 2015 statistics from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Dr. Pakorn of the Halal Standard Institute explained that work is currently underway to finalize a joint certification system for the growing number of hotels, restaurants, and other products and services in Thailand that cater to Muslim customers. This is being done in cooperation with the Halal Science Center of Chulalongkorn University, which, according to Dr. Pakorn, is one of the world's leading certification bodies for halal products.

The two hoteliers, Mr. Sanya and Mr. Adam, shared their interesting personal and professional experiences in guest management and service. Both emphasized that, contrary to popular belief, positioning their respective hotels as Muslim-friendly establishments had been a success. They reported receiving considerable support from non-Muslim guests such as Chinese, Koreans, and Europeans, as well as from the Thai government, UN organizations in Bangkok, sports associations, Islamic embassies, airlines, and other organizations.

Even their status as alcohol-free hotels is appreciated by family travelers from all continents. Guests are impressed by the high level of service, cleanliness, attention to detail, and pleasant, multicultural atmosphere.

The seminar concluded with the observation that the Thai tourism industry has many positive stories to tell about the growing contribution of its Thai Muslim population to the success of its travel and tourism sector.

To build on the success of this launch event, further events of this kind are planned.

Caption: Seminar participants: The speakers are: Prof. Pakorn (front row, center), Mr. Sanya (front row, fourth from the right), and Mr. Adam, Mr. Muqbil, and Mr. Hardy (back row, third, fourth, and fifth from the right, respectively). Other participants included representatives from the Dusit and Anantara Groups, Landmark, Asia Hotel, Baiyoke Sky Suites, and three interns from PATA.