Newswrap (May 2023) - Islamic Lifestyle
Rua Al Madinah Holding partners with Accor to light up the hospitality landscape in Madinah; British Airways launches new uniform with hijab option; Saudi Arabia’s Almosafer is piloting the integration of artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT, on its mobile booking platforms; Ministry promotes Indonesia's tourism to Saudi Arabia through RTF; Philippines gains halal cred for efforts at Muslim-friendly travel.
Company News – Saudi Arabia
Rua Al Madinah Holding partners with Accor to light up the hospitality landscape in Madinah. (May 9, 2023)
Saudi Arabia is partnering with Accord Group to transform Madinah into a modern Islamic and cultural destination. Rua Al Madinah Holding Co., owned by the Public Investment Fund, will develop three properties in the city, including a Fairmont Hotel, Fairmont branded residences, Swissotel, and Novotel. (Arab News)
Company News – Australia
Cover-up girls on the runway in Australian Fashion Week first. (May 15, 2023)
Asia Hasiyam made history as the first modest designer to showcase her collection at Australian Fashion Week. With the aim of inclusivity and targeting the growing market for modest fashion, Hasiyam hopes to appeal to department store buyers outside Australia who are interested in capitalizing on the $295 billion market for modest fashion. (Financial Review)
Company News – UK
British Airways launches new uniform with hijab option. (May 23, 2023)
British Airways has unveiled its new uniform designed by Savile Row fashion designer Ozwald Boateng. The collection, the first major revamp in almost 20 years, includes tailored three-piece suits for men, a variety of options for women including a modern jumpsuit, and a tunic and hijab for those who prefer it. (The National News)
Technology – Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Almosafer is piloting the integration of artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT, on its mobile booking platforms. (May 10, 2023)
Saudi Arabia's travel company, Almosafer, is piloting the integration of artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT on its mobile booking platforms. This move aims to improve the booking experience by offering personalized responses to customer queries. During the pilot phase, a limited customer base will have access to the integrated platform, which will assist with flight searches and trip planning. (Skift)
ESG Developments – UAE
Emirates airline earmarks $200mln fund for sustainability research. (May 11, 2023)
Emirates airline has established a $200 million sustainability research and development (R&D) fund to tackle the environmental impact of fossil fuels in aviation. This significant commitment by the airline will be distributed over three years and aims to identify partnerships with leading organizations working on advanced fuel and energy technologies. (Zawya)
Trade Developments – Malaysia
More Malaysia-Indonesia flights to be opened soon, says tourism minister. (May 15, 2023)
The Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, has announced an increase in Malaysia-Indonesia flights to accommodate the rising number of visitors from Indonesia. The significant increase in arrivals from Indonesia in the first two months of 2023 has prompted the government to open more routes and flight frequencies to meet the growing demand. (Malay Mail)
Trade Developments – Indonesia / Saudi Arabia
Ministry promotes Indonesia's tourism to Saudi Arabia through RTF. (May 24, 2023)
The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy is participating in the 2023 Riyadh Travel Fair (RTF) exhibition to promote Indonesian tourism and the creative economy to the Saudi Arabian market. The ministry aims to increase the number of tourists from Saudi Arabia to Indonesia by highlighting the five Super Priority Destinations (DSPs) and Bali. (Antara News)
Trade Developments – Philippines
Philippines gains halal cred for efforts at Muslim-friendly travel. (June 3, 2023)
The country was recognized with the Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year award at the Halal in Travel Global Summit, affirming its efforts to strategically develop its halal tourism portfolio and showcase its rich culture and diverse destinations, including the scenic regions of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago. (Arab News)
