Developing tourism products in line with Islamic beliefs: some insights from Nabeul–Hammamet

Abstract

In recent years, the interest of both the tourism industry and the academic world in Muslims as consumers with specific requirements has grown remarkably. Attracting Muslim tourists is considered a good business opportunity in an increasing number of Muslim and non-Muslim countries. Tunisia is one of the most important destinations for international tourism in the Middle East and North Africa. Despite being a Muslim-majority country, no significant effort has been made as yet to reach the growing demand for tourism products in line with Islamic beliefs. This study investigates the opinions of a group of 19 key informants in Nabeul–Hammamet concerning the possibility of developing such products. This research shows that tourism operators are becoming progressively more familiar with the global opening up to products designed for Muslim consumers. Opportunities offered by this segment have been recognised, and clear signs are emerging of a proactive attitude towards Muslim-oriented tourism as a differentiation to

Muslim Tourists’ Food and Beverage Needs and Preferences During Travel

“…The availability to access Halal food in the destination of choice is always a concern, and the Muslim market is also worried about the rise in fraudulent Halal certification of products and eateries. Studies also depict that it is most likely that Muslims tourists tend to visit destinations where Halal food is plentiful, and Muslim friendly service and facilities are available (Carboni, et al, 2017;Han et al, 2019;Stephenson, 2014). Thus, the availability of Halal food and beverage is vital for destinations that target Muslim tourists.…”

Islamic Tourism: A Form of Harmonization of Religion, Politics, Social, Culture and Economy

“…In Tunisia, tourism began to develop during the Bourguiba era which designed to attract tourists from Western Europe [14]. Nevertheless, the period of Bourguiba to Ben Ali (2011), remains clearly separated between religion and public space, including tourism.…”

Exploring Consumer Attitudes Towards Halal

“…With the rising number of Muslim vacationists, there will be a bigger demand for Halal/Muslim friendly products and services (Çetin and Dinçer, 2016;Arpacı and Batman, 2015). According to the study of Carboni et al (2017) for Tunisia, it is significantly seen that Muslim consumers from the tourism sector and the academic field have certain demands. In this case, attracting Muslim tourists is regarded a decent business chance in an increasing number of Muslim and non-Muslim countries.…”