Rethinking Easter – A Halal-Conscious Traveller's Perspective

There is never a greater sign of a globalised world than when different countries come together in celebration. Over the past few years, non-muslim countries have embraced and even gone as far as to celebrate Ramadan and Eid. From lantern-lit iftars in Cairo to Eid markets in London, more and more are open to understanding, engaging, and genuinely celebrating these sacred moments with the Muslim community. So it got me thinking – why can’t we, as Muslim travellers, do the same when it comes to Easter? 

My Easter Travels – Discovering Cultural Connections in Unexpected Places

Shebs found himself in places like Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid and Vienna during Easter (photo: Canva)

In recent times, I have found myself in places like Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid and Vienna during Easter – not for religious rituals, but simply for the love of travel. And yet, Easter was everywhere. It was in the food, the festivals, and the atmosphere. Whilst some Muslim travellers might instinctively avoid this time of the year over a cultural hesitation to avoid watering down their own faith, I’d go so far as to argue it’s actually a golden opportunity, not just to experience a different culture, but for an industry that often overlooks this overlap, to rethink how we cater to halal-conscious travellers during Easter and the wider spring season. 

More Than Just Chocolate Eggs – Understanding Easter's Appeal Beyond Religion

This seasonal window remains largely untapped by destinations and travel businesses (photo: Canva)

It’s easy to assume that Muslim travellers steer clear of Easter, especially with its deep-rooted Christian traditions. But in reality, this period coincides with the school holidays in many countries, making it one of the most practical and popular times of the year for family getaways. Just like everyone else, families from a Muslim household are looking for sunshine, quality time, and cultural experiences – they just want to do it in a way that aligns with their values. 

Yet despite the growing size and spending power of the halal travel market, as we have alluded to in many of our reports this year, this seasonal window remains largely untapped by destinations and travel businesses. When I spoke to our trusted halal-conscious tour operators, such as Halalbooking and Salambooking, they responded to me by saying they were swamped booking trips during this Easter period, but only to parts of the world that cater well for Muslims. 

Family Time & Global Exploration

(Photo: Canva)

This tells me that major destinations and beach resorts aren’t marketing directly to Muslim travellers during Easter, and they are missing a key opportunity to offer halal-friendly experiences that don’t compromise on cultural immersion. Muslim travellers aren’t necessarily asking for separate or ‘exclusive’ experiences – we’re looking for inclusion. 

Our look into this ties in neatly with Halal Travel Network (HTN) working with destinations that are not traditionally Muslim. All of the locations I have travelled to have given me a different perspective on how I can respect and embrace various cultural differences as a halal-conscious traveller. Archer & Gaher Adventures, David Archer, who is a revert and an HTN member, added, “I spend Christmas with my non-Muslim family. It is an opportunity to get together, and that is the part that means something to me.”

This will be the case for so many reverts as they try to bridge different traditions and, in some places, different cultures, with a hectic lifestyle to boot. 

The Untapped Potential

Are Easter season itineraries flexible enough to offer halal dining alternatives? (photo: Canva)

From a business perspective, whilst destinations are quick to curate elaborate Easter campaigns for mainstream tourists – from spring festivals to themed walking tours – there’s minimal effort made to ensure these experiences are accessible, respectful, or relevant to a halal-conscious traveller. Perhaps this is what needs to be improved to make it more inclusive––a definite business opportunity. 

Whether we are talking about tour operators, agents, DMCs or hoteliers; businesses must start thinking proactively: Are Easter season itineraries flexible enough to offer halal dining alternatives? Can hotels partner with local mosques or cultural centres to offer prayer guidance or access? Are front-facing staff briefed on the basics of halal requirements or able to recommend nearby services?

The tools are already there — it’s just a matter of intentional delivery. As the demand for halal travel continues to grow, especially among a younger, more globally curious generation, the destinations and suppliers that get this right will be the ones that win long-term loyalty and word-of-mouth trust.

Bridging Cultures – Finding Common Ground Between Ramadan, Eid, and Easter

Ramadan is now widely celebrated and embraced in non-Muslim countries (photo: Canva)

As a British Muslim, growing up in the UK, I don’t celebrate Easter or Christmas; however, that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy it with my friends. Over the years, I have been invited to many events, which were all amazing. Even this Easter Sunday, my friends have asked me to visit them for dinner and a get-together. What do most people think of at Easter? Chocolate eggs and the Easter Bunny... so why should there still be taboo for Muslims?

After all, Ramadan is now widely celebrated and embraced in non-Muslim countries. The UK does a fantastic job, with London leading the way in making Muslims feel included with Ramadan lights, iftar gatherings around the community, and the celebration of Eid. And that’s something, as a Muslim, I’ve wanted to see, and it’s great to see so many celebrate the occasion with us. It gives us all a community-inclusive feel.

For the industry, the message is simple: don’t underestimate the openness of the halal-conscious traveller. And if destinations and businesses are smart, we’ll meet them there.

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