reflective journal

based on article 

CURRENT TRENDS AND FUTURE OUTLOOK FOR GLOBAL TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY

5.3.2    CONCEPT OF TRAVEL AND TOURISM FROM ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

·       Based on article it is about The Global Muslim Travel Index provides invaluable insights into a lucrative tourism segment in which Malaysia leads the way and the importance of the muslims consumer market. So, the typical Muslim consumer is now younger, educated and has a larger disposable income. This has led to an inclination for travel. Consequently, the travel and hospitality industry has now become one of the largest markets within the Muslim consumer space.

TRAVEL AND TOURISM

·       Travelling and journey are highly recommended by the Quran. Allah asked us to travel through the earth to take the lessons from His creation that He offers to us in His mercy (Al Quran 29:20). It is a well-established fact that religion has influence on the day-to-day activities of muslim, wether at home or travelling and thus it shapes the choice of a destination for discretionary purposes and what is done at the destination. Islam recognizes people’s right to move from one place to other and encourages travelling for beneficial purposes including Hajj and umrah (literally the higher and lesser pilgrimages, respectively) health and medication, education, business, trade, entertainment and fun. However, words like “fun” and “entertainment” should be interpreted with caution as muslims are allowed to seek fun and entertainment only in a way that does not to go beyond the rules and obligations of Islamic Sharia’h. Therefore, in this context, tourism policy, development objectives and the management and operation of the industry will be greatly influenced by the Islamic principles.

ISLAMIC TOURISM

·       As it is evident from the name, Islamic tourism is mainly targetin people with Islamic belieft in particular, through it could also have a universal appeal even for the non-muslims due to a multitude of reasons like fair pricing, peace and security, family-friendly environment and hygience etc. Islamic tourism as a concept has been used with different names and connotations in the tourism theory and practice. Halal tourism, Sharia’h Tourism and Muslim-friendly tourism are the most common terms, which are used alternatively. However, there are some related terms such as ‘Halal hospitality’, ‘Sharia’h compliant hotels’ and ‘Halal friendly travel’ concerning the services in this sector.

POSITIVE IMPACT OF ISLAMIC TOURISM

1.     Economy

·       Islamic tourism provides a lot of job opportunities for local people especially for those who are emphasizing the Islamic lifestyle. For example in hospitality, this industry usually hardly hiring workers who are wearing hijab especially in the hotel industry. Similarly, Islamic tourism has triggered the establishment of a Syariah compliance hotel where workers are free to wear hijab to serve their customers. The relationship between hosts and guests is conceived primarily for the blessing of God and other aspects are secondary.

2.     Politic

·       The development of Islamic tourism denotes that Malaysia is a Muslim country which has put a lot of efforts to develop Islamic tourism products including new Islamic theme attractions such as an Islamic Civilization Park (TTI). Besides that, to balance the needs and demands of mass tourists, Malaysia also developed the lavishness tourism products for them. In this context, it indicates that politics in Malaysia have emphasized high tolerance and consideration to balance the mass tourism and Islamic tourism to its tourists. As Muslim country which dominated by more than 60 percent of Muslims, Malaysia can be a role model of Muslim countries in Asian for the stability of development in all aspects.

3.     Social

·       This is due to the claims that it provides less negative tourism impact to since it does not involve prohibited activities such as drinking alcohol, illegal spouse according to Shariah, and kissing openly in the public. In contrast to cultural impact, Islamic tourism seems as a medium to preserve and conserve the Islamic civilizations and its monuments. For example, the visitation to Mosques and other places related to Islamic based theme development such as Islamic Civilization Park (TTI) will help to increase the appreciation of the Islamic architecture while conserving the history and civilization of Islam in Malaysia.

NEGATIVE IMPACT OF ISLAMIC TOURISM

1.     Environment

·       Islamic tourism contributes less environmental impacts since this product usually related to the place with controlled activities such as visitation to mosques, pertaining Halal food and high consideration to cleanliness since Islam taught is very particular about it. Since the activities of Islamic tourism consist the appreciation of God’s creations, less vandalism will happen to the environment due to the belief that the environment is also the creatures of God that need to be conserved and preserved.

2.     Lack of unified and global standards and certification

·       There are no unified international halal standards and certification arrangement for the tourism industry. In fact, in the majority of OIC member countries, there is no official body available at the national level to certify hotels and destinations attentions according to the Islamic requirements.

3.     Financial constraints

·       As a new emerging segment of global tourism industry, Islamic tourism has not received enough financial resources, perhaps, with growing number of success stories investors will give due attention to his niche segment by considering its potential and growing market size.

SUGGESTION

The dedicated government initiated body or committee should develop and drive national Islamic tourism development strategy and initiatives. The strategy should include:

1)     In coordination with national tourism body, set Islamic tourism growth targets as part of national tourism growth targets.

2)     Identify and prioritize domestic destinations for Islamic tourism market.

3)     Plan and facilitate Islamic tourism marketing strategy development for the industry.