Muslim travel agencies offer diverse packages to combat limited haj visas

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Tomb of Imam Bukhari

Muslim travel agencies in Singapore are starting to offer more packages all year round to various destinations, including new ones like Uzbekistan, Bosnia and Cuba.

It is part of the agencies’ effort in finding a niche in the competitive travel market. Muslim travel agencies have been plagued by limited haj visas for two years in a row.

Before this, 30 per cent to 50 per cent of their businesses depended on haj packages.

Now, some offer packages like an 8—day tour of Uzbekistan in Central Asia. The former Soviet state has many Muslim attractions, like the tomb of Imam Bukhari and close friends of Prophet Muhammad.

It is one of the many exotic destinations that Muslim travel agencies in Singapore are increasingly promoting.

"We have more matured travellers. Food is not an issue. They want to see places, they want to shop, and they want to have an experience of a lifetime. That’s more important," said Ayoob Angullia, Managing Director of Shahidah Travel Pte Ltd.