HMH - Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH), which operates a chain of halal-friendly hotels operating across the MENA region, has unveiled plans at the Arabian Travel Market to grow its halal-friendly mid-market and budget segment by 30%.
HMH CEO Laurent Voivenel said, "The biggest growth in the halal tourism is being seen in the mid-market segment. And our strategy is to expand aggressively in this segment with a target of boosting our existing portfolio of hotels by 30% over the next five years. This will include having a hotel in every GCC country while doubling our portfolio in the UAE and KSA. We also have a strong interest in the booming Asian markets such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia and China."
Voivenel explained, "Our market intelligence shows halal-friendly hotels will continue to claim bigger market share given the business opportunity and demand. By 2030, Muslims will make up more than a quarter of the global population, rising from 1.6 billion in 2010 to 2.2 billion by 2030, and 30% of this population will seek halal options - largely in mid-market segment."
HMH is the first and 'still the only' international alcohol-free chain of hotels, Voivenel added, with all brands under HMH halal-friendly no matter where the company operates.
"Contrary to popular belief, a dry hotel can be as lively and vibrant as any hotel. One of the greatest plus of a dry hotel is a safe and healthy environment that is perfect for families as well as single women travellers. Our hotels tend to focus on clean fun and entertainment. Creativity and passion ensure guests an exceptional experience," he noted.