Agoda’s latest data unveils a remarkable 80 per cent month-on-month rise in accommodation searches from travelers in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore as the Hari Raya holiday approaches.
This surge highlights the significance of this festive period for the travel and hospitality industry. Hari Raya, also known as Eid al-Fitr, celebrates the end of Ramadan, a month devoted to fasting, introspection and communal bonds for Muslims worldwide.
It is a joyous occasion marked by gatherings and celebrations, presenting a peak opportunity for the travel sector to cater to the specific needs of Muslim travelers.
The Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024 reports that more than 70 per cent of the global Muslim population is under 40, forming a dynamic, tech-savvy demographic with high disposable income and a strong enthusiasm for travel.
As this group increasingly seeks Halal-compliant services, the travel industry has the chance to meet these demands with tailored offerings.
Agoda’s Country Director for Malaysia and Brunei, Fabian Teja emphasises the importance of understanding regional holidays like Hari Raya, calling it a major holiday for the travel industry.
"Understanding and anticipating the key holidays in a region as diverse as Asia is critical to being successful in today’s hotel market," he said in a statement.
He adds that the rising interest in exploring international destinations reflects travelers’ desire for diverse cultural experiences, urging hoteliers to craft packages and services that create meaningful and memorable stays.
"Hari Raya is a major holiday for the travel industry globally, and in this region, we are seeing increased interest in exploring overseas destinations to enjoy a wide range of cultural experiences.
"Hotels should focus on catering to diverse audiences during this time to offer packages and bespoke services that will deliver memorable experiences for this festive holiday," he added.
Agoda’s data identifies Thailand and Japan as the leading choices among Hari Raya travelers, with China, South Korea and Taiwan completing the top five destinations. Among cities, Bangkok tops the list as the most-searched destination, followed by Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong and Taipei.
For the hospitality industry, these trends offer clear opportunities. With a significant proportion of travelers planning family trips during Hari Raya, hoteliers can enhance their appeal by offering family-centric packages and accommodating larger groups.
Providing personalised concierge services that include recommendations for local cultural experiences and transportation options adds further value for guests traveling with multiple generations.
Not only that, food and celebration also hold central importance during Hari Raya. Hotels can capitalise on this by organising exclusive Hari Raya-themed dining events, featuring specially curated menus and family-style meal packages.
Additionally, the growing demand for Halal-compliant travel highlights the need for hotels to prominently showcase their Halal certifications and Muslim-friendly facilities, such as prayer rooms and Halal dining options.