A unique Premium Hotel Classification scheme for Muslim-friendly accommodation has been launched at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), currently taking place in Dubai, UAE. The global initiative, launched by Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism & Culture, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Tan Sri Abdul Aziz, aims to improve quality standards and transparency for Muslim travelers and enhance the visibility of accommodation that meets their faith-based needs.
Properties or hotel groups will be subject to rigorous checks to ensure they meet the required criteria, with audits conducted by a highly-qualified committee of Islamic tourism experts, including Salam Standard representatives.
“The Salam Standard Premium Hotel Classification system sets new standards for Muslim-friendly accommodation across the globe,” said Salam Standard Co-Founder and CEO Faeez Fadhlillah. “It cements Salam Standard’s position as the number one go-to resource for Muslim travelers seeking accommodation that is sensitive to their faith-based needs, providing them with complete clarity and assurance on the facilities and services provided.”
Any licensed accommodation provider can apply online for Salam Standard Premium Hotel Classification.
Once their application is reviewed and accepted, the expert committee will conduct an audit of the property/properties. The committee will reserve the right to reject applications if they do not meet the minimum criteria.
The Salam Standard Premium Hotel Classification scheme rates hotels according to four tiers – Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum – considering the number and standard of Muslim-friendly facilities and services they offer.
For example, at Bronze-rated properties, all rooms have a shower and toilet or bath tub and toilet and a prayer mat and praying direction (Qibla/Kibblat), or they are available on request, whereas Platinum-rated accommodation offers several additional benefits including halal food that is certified by a recognised body, while the entire premises is alcohol free.
This four-tier system will simplify the user experience for travelers searching for Muslim-friendly accommodation on Salam Standard or booking it online with sister company, Tripfez, providing them with clear guidelines on what is offered, safe in the knowledge it has been checked and audited.
The committee will also conduct ongoing inspections of properties awarded Salam Standard Premium Hotel Classification to ensure standards are upheld.
The travel industry has welcomed the new auditing process, a move it says will further boost Salam Standard’s credentials as a global online information tool for Muslim-friendly accommodation.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association’s (PATA) CEO, Dr Mario Hardy, has also congratulated Salam Standard for introducing a valuable resource for travelers and hoteliers.
“The global Muslim travel sector is a multi-billion-dollar niche market to which few have paid attention up until now,” he said. “The Salam Standard Premium Hotel Classification system is a great initiative that will help Muslim travelers identify hotel properties that can meet their requirements and assist property owners in providing a quality and transparent experience to Muslim guests.”
