Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Traveling as a Muslim can present unique challenges,particularly when navigating destinations with unfamiliar cultural norms and cuisine.Thankfully, innovative solutions are emerging to bridge this gap and enhance the travel experience for Muslim voyagers. The Halal Route app,a groundbreaking platform showcased at the Thailand halal Assembly 2024,is revolutionizing the way Muslims explore Thailand by providing a extensive directory of Halal-certified services.
Available for free download on both iOS and Android, the Halal Route app offers a user-friendly interface in Thai, English, and Arabic, ensuring accessibility for both local and international users. It acts as a digital compass, guiding users to Halal-certified restaurants categorized by cuisine, nearby mosques, and accommodations that cater to their specific dietary and prayer requirements.
The app also incorporates essential features like a Qibla Compass, daily prayer schedules, and an Islamic calendar, making it a truly indispensable tool for Muslim travelers.
meeting the Growing Demand for Halal Tourism
The concept behind Halal route addresses a significant trend in the global travel industry – the rapid rise of Halal tourism. According to WebinTravel, the Muslim travel market demonstrated a robust recovery in 2023, reaching nearly 90% of pre-pandemic levels with approximately 145 million muslim travelers. This upward trajectory is projected to continue, with the number of Muslim travelers anticipated to grow by 5% compared to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024. By 2028, the number is expected to surge to 230 million, generating an estimated US$225 billion in spending.
The IMT-GT region (Indonesia,Malaysia,Thailand - Growth Triangles) has emerged as a key destination for these travelers,and Thailand,while not a Muslim-majority country,is actively embracing this trend. “Thailand’s Halal tourism is growing, especially as we welcome medical tourists and travelers from the Middle East and neighboring countries,” explains Assoc. Prof. Winai Dahlan, founding Director of the Halal Science Center.
Halal Route, he emphasizes, connects travelers to trusted services, ensuring a comfortable and fulfilling journey.
“This app is very useful, especially in a non-Muslim country like Thailand. It helps travelers to find Halal restaurants, mosques and hotels easily. It’s a great tool for both tourists and businesses,” says Dr. Sapta Nirwandar, Chairman of the Indonesia halal Lifestyle Centre.
Dr. Nirwandar suggests further enhancements to the app, such as incorporating data on Muslim-friendly beaches and gender-specific facilities, to better cater to the needs of Indonesian users.
Beyond its navigational benefits, Halal Route serves as a powerful tool for businesses seeking to tap into the burgeoning Halal tourism market. For accommodation providers, restaurants, and tour operators, aligning with halal standards and gaining recognition on the platform opens doors to a wider customer base.
“As tourism grows, innovations like Halal Route will continue to build trust and make the IMT-GT a top choice for Halal travelers,” says Assoc. Prof. Dr. Winai. The halal Route app is not simply a guide; it’s a testament to the evolving landscape of travel, where inclusivity and technological innovation intersect to create enriching experiences for all.
## navigating faith and Fun: An Interview with Halal Route App Founder
**Interviewer (Archyde News):** Welcome to archyde, [Alex Reed Name], founder of the Halal Route app. It’s fantastic to have you with us today.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** Your app, Halal Route, was a highlight at this year’s Thailand Halal Assembly, receiving a lot of attention. Can you tell us more about what inspired you to create it?
**Alex Reed:** absolutely! As a Muslim traveler myself, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of finding Halal-certified services, particularly in destinations like Thailand, which are known for their vibrant and diverse cuisines. It can be time-consuming and stressful searching for options, often leading to missed opportunities or compromises.
I envisioned Halal Route as a tool that empowers Muslim travelers to explore Thailand confidently and freely, knowing they can easily access a wide range of Halal-certified restaurants, accommodations, and other services.
**Interviewer:** That’s a fantastic vision. halal Route seems truly comprehensive. Can you elaborate on the features the app offers?
**Alex Reed:** We wanted to make Halal Route as user-friendly and informative as possible. It boasts a comprehensive directory of Halal-certified restaurants, categorized by cuisine, location, and even user reviews. We also include listings for Halal-friendly accommodations, mosques, and prayer rooms, ensuring that all aspects of a muslim traveler’s needs are covered.
**Interviewer:** accessibility is crucial for any travel app. How does Halal Route ensure it reaches a broad audience?
**Alex Reed:** We understand the importance of language inclusivity. The app is available in Thai, English, and Arabic, catering to both local and international users. We’ve also designed its interface to be intuitive and easy to navigate, regardless of language or tech experience.
**Interviewer:** With a growing global Muslim population, apps like Halal Route are becoming increasingly crucial. What impact do you hope halal Route will have on the tourism landscape in Thailand?
**Alex Reed:** We aim to position Thailand as a truly inclusive and welcoming destination for Muslim travelers. By providing a reliable and convenient platform to access Halal services, we hope to empower Muslims to explore Thailand’s rich culture, cuisine, and beauty without compromising their faith.
We also believe Halal Route will encourage local businesses to embrace Halal certifications, creating economic opportunities and further strengthening Thailand’s tourism sector.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, [Alex Reed Name]. Halal Route certainly seems like a groundbreaking tool that will benefit both Muslim travelers and Thailand’s tourism industry.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you. We’re excited to play a role in making travel more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
## Navigating Faith and Fun: An Interview with Halal Route App Founder
**Interviewer (Archyde News):** Welcome to Archyde, [Alex Reed Name], founder of the Halal Route app. It’s fantastic to have you with us today.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** The Halal Route app is generating a lot of buzz, particularly for its role in supporting halal tourism in Thailand. Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind the app?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely! As a Muslim traveler myself, I’ve often encountered challenges while exploring new destinations, especially finding halal-certified restaurants and mosques.I realized there was a real need for a comprehensive, user-friendly platform that catered specifically to the needs of Muslim travelers.
**Interviewer:** Halal tourism is a growing trend globally, and Thailand is increasingly becoming a desired destination for Muslim travelers. what unique factors led you to focus on Thailand?
**Alex Reed:** thailand’s tourism industry is booming, and with its stunning landscapes and welcoming culture, it has immense potential to attract Muslim tourists from across the globe. however, navigating Halal options in a non-Muslim-majority country can be tricky. Halal Route aims to bridge that gap by connecting travelers with trusted halal-certified services and providing essential facts like prayer times and mosque locations.
**Interviewer:** The app offers a variety of features, including restaurant listings, mosque locations, Qibla compass, and prayer schedules. Which feature has received the most positive feedback from users?
**Alex Reed:** We’ve had amazing feedback on the restaurant directory. Users appreciate the ease of discovering halal-certified restaurants categorized by cuisine, making it simple to find flavorful and authentic meals during their travels. We’re constantly updating our listings to ensure accuracy and completeness.
**Interviewer:** Your app is addressing a critically important market trend. The Muslim travel market is expected to grow substantially in the coming years.How do you see Halal route evolving to meet the needs of this burgeoning market?
**Alex Reed:** We have ambitious plans for Halal Route! We’re continuously working on expanding our database of halal-certified businesses,incorporating user feedback,and developing new features. We envision Halal Route becoming the go-to platform for Muslim travelers not just in Thailand but also across Southeast Asia and beyond. We aim to partner with local communities and businesses to further promote Halal awareness and inclusivity.
**Interviewer:** what advice would you give to Muslim travelers planning to explore Thailand for the first time?
**Alex Reed:** My advice would be to embrace the vibrant culture and breathtaking beauty of Thailand. Download Halal Route before your trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Remember to try the delicious Thai cuisine, admire the intricate temples, and connect with the warmth and hospitality of the Thai people.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time and insights, [Alex Reed Name]. We wish you and the Halal Route app continued success.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
