Enhancing Indonesia’s Halal Tourism with Aston Pekalongan Syariah Hotel & Conference Center by Archipelago International.
Archipelago International, the largest hotel chain in Southeast Asia with networks in the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and Latin America, is proud to inaugurate its first Sharia hotel, the Aston Pekalongan Syariah Hotel & Conference Center. The opening ceremony will take place at the Firdaus Ballroom on Saturday, 27th of July 2024.
The opening of this hotel is a strategic step by Archipelago International in supporting halal tourism in Indonesia. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia has once again been awarded the title of “Top Muslim Friendly Destination of The Year 2024” in the Mastercard Crescentrating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI). This achievement marks Indonesia’s second consecutive year of receiving this title in 2023 and 2024, surpassing 140 other countries.
Currently, the global Muslim population reaches two billion, or about 25 percent of the world’s population as of 2022. According to the Global Muslim Travel Index 2023, this number is expected to increase to 2.3 billion or about 27 percent of the world’s population by 2030. This presents a significant opportunity for the halal industry to grow exponentially. This is one of the main reasons for Archipelago International to open its first Sharia hotel in Pekalongan.
The ceremony will be inaugurated by the Mayor of Pekalongan, Mr H.A. Afzan Arslan Djunaid, SE, M.M, and attended by esteemed guests, including government officials and company leaders from around the region. Also gracing the event will be the Vice President of Finance of Archipelago International, Mr Heru Purwono, along with VIPs from the owning company. A special highlight of the event will be a “Kajian” conducted by Ustadz Khalid Basalamah, adding a spiritual and cultural touch to the celebration.
Aston Pekalongan Syariah Hotel & Conference Center offers services in accordance with Sharia principles. With 104 guest rooms designed with the best facilities, the hotel is a symbol of comfort for tourists looking for an authentic Sharia accommodation experience. The available room types are Superior, Superior Pool Access, Deluxe, Junior Suite, Penthouse, and Presidential Suite, with city or pool views. Each room is also equipped with exclusive facilities such as Google Nest, which allows guests to use room facilities with voice commands, such as turning lights, music, and TV on and off, and talking to hotel staff. Additionally, there is an outdoor swimming pool and gym facilities with different hours for men and women to guarantee privacy and comfort for all guests.
Guests can participate in various activities such as studies twice a month and congregational prayers held every Friday at the Ar Raudha Mosque located in the Aston Pekalongan Syariah Lobby. Guests will have the opportunity to engage in a range of daily activities and facilities that align with Islamic values. All rooms at Aston Pekalongan Syariah Hotel are equipped with essential items such as Mukena (prayer cloth for women), Sarong (prayer cloth for men), Prayer Mats, Al-Quran, and Dzikir Books.
Ideally situated in the heart of Pekalongan, it takes just three minutes to reach the train station and five minutes to get to the local government building. It is easy for guests to explore a variety of fascinating tourist destinations. They can take in the natural beauty of Curug, shop for textiles and batik at the Wholesale Market, see the historically rich Batik Museum, watch the batik-making process at the Batik Village Tour, and relax at the beach.
Not only is this advantageous position convenient for major transportation hubs, but it is also close to essential local services, including dining establishments, retail centres, and other public amenities. Due to this, it’s a great option for leisure tourists who wish to experience a range of sites without having to travel far or for business travellers who need quick access to vital places.
“We are thrilled to introduce Aston Pekalongan Syariah Hotel & Conference Center to the world. This hotel embodies the perfect blend of Shariah-compliant hospitality, modern amenities, and exceptional service. We look forward to providing our guests with an unforgettable experience in the heart of Pekalongan, where culture, tradition, and comfort converge,” says John Flood, CEO of Archipelago International.
Aston Pekalongan Syariah Hotel & Conference Center features the Zamzam Restaurant, which serves International, Middle Eastern, and Indonesian dishes, including typical Pekalongan dishes such as Soto Tauto and Nasi Megono. Guests can also relax in the Arrayyan Lounge, which offers a variety of halal menu choices, as well as Pekalongan speciality tea and coffee, including tahlil coffee. The comfortable atmosphere and friendly service make the Arrayyan Lounge an ideal place to meet and relax with friends and colleagues.
For further information, please visit www.archipelagointernational.com or follow @archipelagointernational and @Astonpekalongansyariah on Instagram.