Parallel to the exponential growth of muslims that the Global Islamic Economy highlights, there is now a large increase in muslim tourists and therefore in Halal Tourism. The hotel factory defines the necessary requirements to target this segment and has collected a number of reasons to bet on halal tourism within Spain.

According to a report done by the Global Islamic Economy (2013), the Muslim population is growing at exponential rates over recent years. It is expected to make up 26.5% of the total world population by 2030. In Spain, the Muslim population in 2014 was 1,858,409 people, representing a major part of the Spanish population.

“There is an increasing amount of tourists from muslim countries requiring experiences adapted to their needs and desires”

In the process of reaching those figures, there is an increasing amount of tourists from muslim countries requiring experiences adapted to their needs and desires. This has lead to the birth of halal tourism, a tourist product that offers services in accordance with the teachings and principles of the Koran.

When we refer to halal tourism, the first thing that goes through our mind is acceptable food under Islamic law. However, this concept goes beyond simply providing halal food certification, it has become a lifestyle characterized by offering unforgettable and unique experiences without sacrificing the religious practices of Muslim tourists. In accordance with their preferences, ensure the absence of alcohol and gambling, adequate facilities for prayer, separate entertainment areas for women and children, label Qibla (the direction of Mecca), female-only rooms and copies of the Koran. Essentially, a holiday based on the Islamic beliefs and practices.

As discussed earlier, the market for halal tourism is constantly growing and so is the focus of many of the hotels and tourism industry professionals.

At The Hotel Factory, we can list a number of reasons why you should bet on halal tourism in Spain:

• In 2014 a total of 2.6 million halal tourists visited Spain, representing 8% of Muslim tourists worldwide.

• The principal countries that are supplying these tourists have great purchasing power. They include Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

• The average Muslim tourist spending in Spain is more than 200% greater than the average tourist following Turespaña.

• Halal tourism promotes the disappearance of the sectionalization of dates. This is because Muslim tourists do not have a specific dates of travel, they travel throughout the year depending on cultural factors like Ramadan.

• Spain is ranked ninth in The Muslim Travel Index (2015) as a halal destination.

• There is currently not much competition in this market. Spain only has one hotel with halal certification, Alanda Hotel located in Marbella.