Muslim-friendly tourism in Australia: challenges and prospects

• Main Authors: Irshad, Ahamed Abdul Cader Ahamed, Jamaludin, Mohammad Aizat, Kartika, Betania
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: IIUM Press 2024
• Subjects: BPG87 Islamic tourism. Halal issues; BPH111.4 Halal issues. Fatawa; BPH114 Consumption. Halal issues; BPH117 Consumption. Halal issues. Standards. Certification. Halal status; BPN87 Muslim friendly and halal services; HF5475.I74 Halal business, entrepreneur, marketing, management, and administration
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/113656/7/113656_Muslim-friendly%20tourism%20in%20Australia.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/113656/; https://journals.iium.edu.my/inst/index.php/HS

In recent years, the Muslim travel market has been recognised as an untapped and promising segment by tourism destinations worldwide, including OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) and non-OIC countries. As a result, these destinations have started to develop Muslim-friendly environments for visitors and have tailored their products and services to meet the interests and needs of Muslim travellers. Currently, there is a growing demand for Muslim-friendly tourism globally. Australia is one of the destinations that is demonstrating an interest in positioning itself as a Muslim-friendly destination. However, minimal research has been conducted in this area within Australia. Consequently, there is a lack of awareness among tourism stakeholders in Australia about the true potential of this rapidly growing segment. As a result, no established systems or guidelines are in place to promote this lucrative tourism sector. Therefore, the possibility of developing, managing, and positioning Australia as a Muslim-friendly tourism destination has not yet been explored. This paper examines the challenges and prospects of Muslim-friendly tourism in Australia and provides recommendations for developing this lucrative sector. A literature review and other document reviews were undertaken in this study.