Kwale: Kwale County is repositioning itself as a top Halal (Shariah compliant) friendly destination as the hospitality industry already has outstanding halal tourism infrastructure to cater for the Muslim travelers. Governor Fatuma Achani says the devolved government is out to develop a thriving Muslim friendly tourism and hospitality ecosystem that aligns with Islamic values and tap into the burgeoning Muslim travel market.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Achani highlighted how Muslim travelers seek the same enriching experiences as other tourists but often face challenges when it comes to maintaining their religious obligations such as performing the five daily prayers. She urged tourism stakeholders to come up with or enhance their products and services as a value-add to Muslim travelers who do not wish to compromise their faith-based needs while travelling.
Speaking in Msambweni Sub County, Achani noted that her devolved government was taking initiatives to increase infrastructural and recreational facilities in the region for tourists. Achani who was accompanied by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Tourism and Trade Michael Mutua says the coastal county offers rich Islamic heritage and cultural diversity and efforts are being made to tap into them to make Kwale a premier destination for Muslim tourists.
The Governor revealed that her administration is determined to revitalize the county’s tourism industry by investing in critical infrastructure like beach access roads, installing solar powered lighting along the beaches and strategic marketing to attract high spending tourists. She noted that the county, in its ambitious plans to expand its halal tourism industry is seeking to offer an environment that combines faith-based conveniences with diverse tourism experiences, ranging from ecotourism, beaches and wildlife sanctuaries.
‘As a Muslim, it’s important to ensure that your travel arrangements, including food and accommodation, are halal, especially if you intend on travelling during the Muslim holiday seasons,’ said Achani. Achani called on stakeholders in the tour, travel, and hospitality sector to join the efforts aimed at ensuring that the tourism sector caters effectively to Muslim tourists and addresses their unique needs.
The county boss is urging tourism stakeholders to offer tour packages with extended services such as allocating times for praying in the itinerary of Muslim tourists and offering halal food. ‘Tourist hotels should ensure food and beverages comply with Islamic dietary laws while accommodations offer amenities like halal toiletries and alcohol-free minibars,’ she said, adding that Kwale seeks to cement its position as a leading destination for Muslim travelers.
The governor said the county has, for example, the iconic Kongo mosque built by Persian traders dating back to the 14th century. Kongo Mosque is domiciled along Diani Beach, which is the preferred holiday destination for both domestic and foreign tourists and each year it receives a record number of holidaymakers arriving to savour its beautiful scenery.
The resort town of Diani, with its clear blue water and white sandy beaches, have seen the South Coast town voted the best destination beach in Africa for six years in a row by the World Travel Awards. She said already the county government has invited the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the alleged grabbing of the historic religious edifice in Diani municipality.
Achani noted that Kongo Beach and the mosque is renowned for its potential in halal Tourism development and noted that the county sees a potential market of foreign Muslim travelers, especially from the Middle East. She stated that Muslim customers from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Oman, Iran and Turkey specifically look for tour packages that can guarantee them to perform prayer five times a day during travel.
Achani added that in terms of food, Muslim tourists also demand products that only use halal materials and are processed in compliance with Islamic rules. ‘Kongo mosque is a significant religious and historic structure that allows Muslim travelers to enjoy their journeys without compromising their religious practices, such as prayer and cannot be in the hands of land grabbers,’ she said.
She went further ‘we seek to promote the iconic Kongo mosque as a cultural and historical site with guided tours enhancing the experience of holidaymakers. The Governor pointed out that it is now a global trend that tourism destinations are developing an inclusive environment for Muslim tourists by providing prayer facilities and halal offerings.
Already majority of the tourist facilities in the tourist circuits of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu counties are availing Muslim travelers with facilities such as prayer rugs and ablution areas. The leading hotels also have facilities such as clean washrooms with gender-segregated sections and family-friendly recreation options for Muslims who value halal services and culture.
The County Tourism Executive, Michael Mutua, says Kwale will tap into its expertise in halal-friendly tourism while promoting Kwale as a destination of choice. Mutua contended that as the world turns its focus to the growing Muslim travel market, Kwale stands ready to lead with its pioneering standards and innovative programs in the halal tourism sector.