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The “Halalification” of tourism

Faiza Khan (The Business School, University College Birmingham, Birmingham, UK)
Michelle Callanan (University College Birmingham, Birmingham, UK)

Journal of Islamic Marketing

ISSN: 1759-0833

Article publication date: 13 November 2017

3961

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the confusing use of terminology associated with tourism undertaken by Muslims and to identify key concerns associated with this type of tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory study and adopts a critical review of literature following the evolutionary concept analysis method. Content analysis of popular UK media, UK-based tour operators’ websites and tourism strategies of destinations popular with Muslim tourists were conducted to examine the use of terminology.

Findings

There is no clear difference between the various terms (halal, Muslim friendly, Islamic, etc.) used. Overall, academia uses the term Islamic tourism, while the industry and media use various terms. Among destinations, however, there is no clear and consistent use of terminology. A key concern of Islamic tourism is the role of certification in assuring travellers and the lack of standardisation of halal certification.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on literature review and secondary data analysis. It lacks primary research.

Practical implications

This study highlights the need for consistent use of terminology across industry. Another implication is the issue surrounding halal certification of food and the importance of trust in the seller/service provide. Another trend that industry providers need to consider is the growth of the Muslim millennial traveller and the needs of this market segment.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of studying the Muslim tourist market and provides a starting point for further research. It highlights several issues such as the need to develop a typology of Muslim tourists. Of particular interest is the concern whether halal values in danger of being commodified in the absence of a universal agreed criterion for halal certification.

Keywords

Citation

Khan, F. and Callanan, M. (2017), "The “Halalification” of tourism", Journal of Islamic Marketing, Vol. 8 No. 4, pp. 558-577. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIMA-01-2016-0001

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited

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