EU: Muslim-friendly Europe tour packages to lure Asian market

Spanish DMC, Premium Incoming, has introduced a guaranteed seat-in-coach 11D10N Treasures of Islamic Spain tour to Andalusian cities such as Seville, Cordoba, Granada – once ruled by Muslims leaders – as well as Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Kompas, an established company in the Balkan region, has launched the 11D10N itinerary Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia Muslim Friendly, taking tourists to historical and natural sites.

Barbara Sette, managing director of Sette Reps – the appointed sales office for Kompas and Premium Incoming in South-east Asia – said both itineraries cater to the needs of Muslim travellers: four- and five-star modern hotels in the city area; a slower itinerary with more free time for shopping; a prayer stop included every day; and restaurants that serve halal-certified meat.

“We have been working on FIT (private basis or seat-in-coach) and group departures with specialised Muslim agencies from Malaysia and Indonesia for a while, but this is the first time we launch SIC (tours) only targeting Muslim clients,” she said.

Asked why South-east Asia was picked over the Middle East as target markets for the tours, Sette replied: “First, Indonesia is the country with the largest number of Muslims in the world. Second, we are already present in South-east Asia and well known. Knowing the market and their needs, we know this product can be attractive for our agencies that already use us as their partner in Europe.”

The new itineraries were introduced to Indonesian outbound travel consultants in October, and to Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei last month. Sette is still planning targeted sales visits promoting the tours to travel consultants.