Islam and tourism: Patterns, issues and options

• Main Author: Din, Abdul Kadir
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pergamon Press plc and J.Jafari 1989
• Subjects: BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc; GV Recreation Leisure
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/5031/1/Ab.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/5031/; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0160-7383(89)90008-X
• Institution: Universiti Utara Malaysia

This paper describes the pattern of tourist arrival in Muslim countries and examines the extent to which the religious factor has bearing on policy and development strategy affecting tourism. Drawing illustration from Malaysia where Islam is the state religion, this study suggests that, although the doctrine of Islam encourages travel and hospitable behavior, it has little influence on the mode of tourism development in Muslim countries. While certain regulations prohibit prostitution, gambling, and the consumption of alcoholic beverages in most Muslim countries, religion does not exert any significant influence on the operation of tourist-related activities. Indeed, virtually all ideas and policy precepts which inform tourism planning and management are western-inspired.