Halal Tourism, Where Are We?

Abstract

This chapter tries to contribute to the conceptualization of Halal tourism. For its reinforcement, a synthesis of the state of the art of the scientific research on this topic is included, mostly based on the papers contained in Web of Science and Scopus databases. In addition, in order to feed the conclusions, a consultation to international tourism experts was implemented to extract a better understanding of this phenomenon and a number of practical implications for the promotion and development of this market segment. Finally, the situation of Halal tourism in Spain is also presented, its importance and offer, a still very little explored niche within a very major tourism destination, and a country with a long history and an amazing heritage linked to Islamic culture.

Tourist loyalty and mosque tourism: The case of the Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba (Spain)

“…According to Benur & Bramwell (2015) [ 71 ], tourist products are being offered in Spain that meets the demands of Muslim tourists [ 29 ]. It shows that halal tourism is becoming popular and is growing in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Indonesia and Spain [ 7 , 72 , 73 ].…”

“…This type of tourism has gained importance in recent years [ 5 ], and tourism at mosques has been investigated previously [ 6 ]. In Europe, Spain is a destination for tourists interested in Islamic legacy [ 7 , 8 ]. The increase in the number of Islamic tourists wishing to connect with their historical legacy is a growing opportunity for tourism in Europe and, consequently, appropriate marketing strategies for this type of tourism have been proposed [ 5 ].…”

“…The Muslim travel market remains one of the fastest growing sectors in the world with an estimated 140 million Muslim visitors worldwide in 2018, compared to 131 million in 2017 [ 9 ]. Tourism at mosques has been recognized as a valid part of this growing market [ 10 ] and correct marketing is of great importance [ 7 ]. Muslim tourists have some characteristic demands [ 11 ] which make Islamic-Muslim tourism at destinations a challenge for tour operators [ 12 ].…”