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HalalBooking.com, a trailblazing name in the realm of online hotel and resort reservations catering to halal needs, has been asserting its dominance as the go-to platform for discerning Muslim travelers. Founded in 2014 by visionaries Emin Hasanov, Agil Aliyev, Elnur Seyidli, Anvar Jabi, and Ufuk Seghgin, the London-based start-up was born out of the surging demand for halal-centric travel experiences in the global tourism industry.
Whether your heart longs for a beachside retreat, an urban escapade, or a secluded villa getaway, HalalBooking.com effortlessly delivers. Beyond the convenience of reservations, the platform provides an enriching ecosystem where travelers can peruse firsthand experiences shared by fellow customers, gaining invaluable insights and pre-trip knowledge about their chosen destinations.
The recent announcement of a substantial $2.5 million investment in HalalBooking marks a pivotal moment in its journey. The infusion comes as part of a $10 million Series B funding round, adding to the company's already remarkable growth trajectory. This new investment, combined with a prior $5 million convertible investment in 2021, propels the round's total to an impressive $7.5 million, with a maximum ceiling of $10 million set to be reached by year's end.
HalalBooking's remarkable trajectory is underscored by its financial resilience. Having navigated the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company's remarkable agility became evident. While global tourism endured setbacks, HalalBooking's commitment to reinvesting earnings year after year proved its mettle. Following a dip in sales from $31 million in 2019 to $8 million in 2020, the company demonstrated its commitment by retaining all 50 of its employees.
The narrative took a positive turn in 2021, with sales surging to $36 million, surpassing even the 2019 benchmark. Evidently, the momentum remains robust. Forecasts for 2022 anticipate a nearly 50% growth, pushing sales to $52 million. Riding on this wave, HalalBooking's outlook for 2023 paints an exciting picture, with projected sales of $75 million, emblematic of a remarkable 45% annual growth.
HalalBooking's impact extends far beyond numbers. Boasting over 850,000 members hailing from 110 countries and collaborating with more than 2,600 global affiliate partners, the platform stands as a testament to its unrivaled service to travelers worldwide. Armed with over 50 API integrations, strategic alliances with industry giants such as Expedia, Agoda, and Hotelbeds solidify its stature as a disruptive force in travel technology.
Earning accolades aplenty, HalalBooking secured a prominent spot in the esteemed "Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100" in 2019, alongside recognition in The Financial Times "FT 1000" league tables across Europe. The platform clinched the top spot for being the fastest-growing company in the UK. Notably, the company clinched the Phocuswright Innovation Launch Award in 2020, as well as the title of Emerging Brand of the Year by Travolution, among other prestigious honors.
HalalBooking's journey is one of determination, resilience, and the pioneering spirit to cater to a diverse audience with discerning tastes. As it continues to carve a unique niche in the travel industry, its exponential growth speaks volumes about its significance in modern travel experiences.