The Star, January 13, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is ranked as the top halal-friendly holiday destination for 2012 among 10 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Crescentrating.com, a travel portal for halal-conscious Muslim travellers, said Malaysia was placed in top spot because it had much to offer Muslim travellers.

This was followed by Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan, Brunei and Qatar.

According to the survey conducted by the portal, the rankings were compiled based on facilities and services provided by those countries to Muslim visitors, such as halal food, halal-certified restaurants, availability of mosques and family-friendly attractions.

The portal also conducted a survey of halal-friendly holiday destinations in non-OIC countries for 2012.

Bosnia and Herzegovina topped the list, followed by Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Gold Coast (Australia), New Delhi, London, Bangkok, Munich and Vienna.

Consultancy group AT Kearney, a global management firm, said the halal market was estimated to be around US$2 trillion. - Bernama