Yessi Rahmawati, Usman Alhassan, Al Ma’rifatul A’la and Luthfi Nur Rosyidi
This study empirically assessed the determinants of halal tourism to Japan while focusing on Muslim-friendly facilities and Japanese cultural sites.
Abstract
Purpose
This study empirically assessed the determinants of halal tourism to Japan while focusing on Muslim-friendly facilities and Japanese cultural sites.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses data from 2013 to 2018 and the Spatial Econometrics–Random Effect estimation technique, which allows for controlling for regional dependency. Furthermore, it extends the traditional Gunn and Tripartite Model which describes tourism attractiveness by considering the influence of historical sites on inbound tourism alongside regional gross domestic product (RGDP) and infrastructural availability.
Findings
The findings of the study reveal the existence of spatial autocorrelation among the prefectures in Japan in attracting tourists. The empirical results show that the availability of Mosques or prayer rooms positively influences Muslim tourists inflow in Japan. However, we find no significant impact of halal restaurants on tourism demand. Furthermore, our findings confirm the effectiveness of the components of the Tripartite and Urban Tourism Attractiveness models. Specifically, we find that historical sites and regional GDP significantly influence Muslim tourists visit to Japan.
Originality/value
Our study makes novel contributions to the literature on halal tourism. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to apply the spatial econometric technique to study the determinants of tourism demand. The application of spatial econometrics allows us to provide evidence of regional dependence in formulating policies that affect tourism. Secondly, we offer a unique augmentation of Gunn’s tripartite model by including the effect of Muslim-friendly facilities as determinants of tourism demand. Lastly, this is the first study to offer insight on halal tourism in Japan by studying all the Japanese prefectures at the macro-level. Previous studies only consider small samples of tourists in specific prefectures, raising concerns about their external validity.
Details
Keywords
Samsudin Arifin Dabamona, Philaiwan Chompupor and Siriwan Ghuangpeng
The purpose of this paper is to investigate Thailand’s halal tourism concept from non-Muslim students’ perspective and explore their perceptions and awareness of local community…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate Thailand’s halal tourism concept from non-Muslim students’ perspective and explore their perceptions and awareness of local community toward Muslim tourists.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a qualitative survey with 75 participants who were representatives of non-Muslim students majoring in tourism in their second semester at Mahasarakham University in Thailand. Constructivist grounded theory is applied inductively to data analysis, with support from NVivo software (V.12).
Findings
The findings showed that the notion of halal or halal tourism is less widely understood as a whole and, at the same time, is an expression that is less commonly used in student participants’ locations. Much of the understanding is perceived through an accidental acquisition where the concept of halal tourism or halal takes place. In addition, much focus is placed on honoring and offering additional options for those who want to experience halal tourism and equality in every religion.
Research limitations/implications
Qualitative survey adopted does not optimally capture the views of student participants. Furthermore, this research was conducted exclusively on students majoring in tourism and hospitality at Mahasarakham University in the northeastern region of Thailand. This resulted in a limited understanding of research results.
Practical implications
This study suggested the large surge in the global Muslim population demands further understanding and education regarding halal principles and Muslim tourism for the benefit of students and the tourism industry, undertaken by local academic institutions, particularly those offering tourism and hospitality programs.
Social implications
Meeting the needs of Muslim tourists does not eliminate their responsibility for the demands of adapting to cultural attributes and beliefs in the host community environment.
Originality/value
This study promotes comprehension regarding the perceptions of non-Muslim students regarding the notion of halal tourism and their preparedness to establish themselves as halal tourism destinations. In addition, it provides an overview of participants’ knowledge of the local community environment and halal tourism and contributes to the voids in halal tourism research, particularly regarding its weaknesses and challenges to the industry’s future development.
Details
Keywords
Ririn Tri Ratnasari, Novi Sekar Sari, Aidi Ahmi and Shafinar Ismail
The purpose of this study is to analyze studies on halal tourism in Scopus from 2010 to 2021 and reveal trends, impacts, the most influential articles and future research trends.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyze studies on halal tourism in Scopus from 2010 to 2021 and reveal trends, impacts, the most influential articles and future research trends.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used data from Scopus in 2010 to 2021 with the topic of halal tourism and obtained 122 data publications. This study uses bibliometric analysis with Biblioshiny analysis tools.
Findings
Halal tourism attracts the attention of academics and practitioners. This study analyzed 122 publications from 2010 to 2021 in Scopus, showing an increase in author contributions of 39.1% per year, peaking in 2021. The most influential article was the work of Battour and Ismail (2016), which emphasized Islamic principles in halal tourism. Mohamed Battour is the lead author, with Indonesia and Malaysia as the leading countries. Future research trends include halal tourist motivation, marketing strategies, mobile applications and artificial intelligence in supporting halal tourism. Collaboration between halal destinations and other industries is also important.
Research limitations/implications
Database searches were only performed on Scopus, so publications not scanned here could not be analyzed. The search for data from this research is also only based on the title regarding halal tourism. Thus, another article that discusses halal tourism but does not have the word “halal tourism” in the title cannot be analyzed.
Originality/value
This research is different from previous research in that this study examines literature published in Scopus on the study of halal tourism from 2010 to 2021.
Details
Keywords
Khairul Akmaliah Adham, Nadiah Mahmad Nasir, Aishath Sinaau, Aminath Shaznie and Ahmed Munawar
This study extends the current understanding of halal tourism at an island destination. Specifically, this study aims to explore the attributes of halal tourism in the local…
Abstract
Purpose
This study extends the current understanding of halal tourism at an island destination. Specifically, this study aims to explore the attributes of halal tourism in the local islands of the Maldives, a fully Muslim country where tourism is the primary source of income for residents. To accomplish this, Muslim travellers’ experiences were examined using the process theory of travel, the halal tourism concept and the service marketing perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a qualitative research methodology and conducted interviews with Muslim travellers visiting the local islands of the Maldives.
Findings
The findings affirmed the five established generic attributes of halal tourism and generated another three emergent attributes of halal tourism, specific to an island destination. The study further enhances the existing knowledge of the generic attributes of halal food and beverage, prayers and mutual respect and benefits. It also establishes that the dimensions of safety and privacy, value for money, perishability and heterogeneity characterise all the emerging halal tourism attributes. The study concludes that halal tourism is an experience imbued with values that promotes dignified tourism.
Originality/value
The findings on the specific attributes of halal tourism at an island destination extend overall understanding of the halal tourism concept and process. The fact that the Maldives is entirely Muslim offers a unique opportunity to explore the normative attributes of halal tourism in an island destination. This enhanced understanding contributes to effective managerial practices aimed at developing competitive halal tourism services.
Details
Keywords
Neni Ruhaeni, Efik Yusdiansyah and Eka An Aqimuddin
As a growth industry in the international tourism segment market, halal tourism domestic policy should align with General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) as an international…
Abstract
Purpose
As a growth industry in the international tourism segment market, halal tourism domestic policy should align with General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) as an international trade in services regulation. This paper aims to examine Indonesia’s halal tourism policy and its intersection with obligations as a member state of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Particularly in balancing Indonesia’s international obligation and the right to regulate.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study uses normative legal research by analysing legal materials, primarily GATS and Indonesia’s halal tourism policy. By using this methodology, this paper seeks the normative ideal domestic approach that aligns with Indonesia’s international obligations within GATS.
Findings
Regional regulations primarily govern the halal tourism policy in Indonesia. The critical substance of the regulation is the mandatory halal certification for the implementation of halal tourism. This obligation may be incompatible with Indonesia’s commitment to liberalise the tourism sector under the GATS. The current legal framework gives rise to a lack of consistency in its application despite its adherence to the halal tourism standards established by the MUI. At the same time, the provincial and regent authorities lacked the authority to do so. The authors argue that halal tourism policy shall be promulgated in the national-level policy to settle this issue. This measure is necessary to mitigate conflicts between prevailing norms and Indonesia’s international commitments within GATS. Therefore, Indonesia can uphold both its international obligations and national interests.
Originality/value
This paper presents a novelty contribution by highlighting the absence of prior research examining Indonesia’s adherence to its international commitments under the GATS in formulating domestic legislation on halal tourism. To close this gap, this study suggests that national legislation governing halal tourism should consider international obligations in the tourism sector under the GATS.
Details
Keywords
La Ode Alimusa, Ririn Tri Ratnasari, Aidi Ahmi and Trisno Wardy Putra
This study aims to analyse research trends, with particular emphasis on the most influential countries, institutions and top journals, as well as the most frequently cited…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to analyse research trends, with particular emphasis on the most influential countries, institutions and top journals, as well as the most frequently cited articles, productive authors and co-authorship networks. In addition, this study identifies and analyses the primary research themes in halal and Islamic tourism and potential future research.
Design/methodology/approach
This research used Scopus from 2004 to 2023, focusing on articles referencing halal and Islamic tourism in the article title. The data were analysed using various software programmes, including the Bibliometrix R Package, VOSviewer, Harzing-PoP and Excel, used to conduct bibliometric and content analyses.
Findings
This study reveals a noteworthy increase in the number of publications related to halal tourism since 2016. The findings demonstrate the existence of four clusters of research in Halal and Islamic tourism literature. These clusters include marketing in halal and Islamic tourism, tourist satisfaction in halal tourism, halal tourism development and halal tourism from the perspective of Muslim tourists.
Research limitations/implications
This study’s bibliometric analysis was based solely on English-language articles in the Scopus database. Therefore, the findings may not be representative of all the research on halal and Islamic tourism.
Originality/value
This study provides valuable insights into the trends and patterns of research on halal and Islamic tourism, which can be used as a foundation for future research and provide a more comprehensive understanding of halal tourism research.
Details
Keywords
Punit Moris Ekka and Shikha Bhardwaj
This review paper is based on secondary research of published literature on customer’s satisfaction in halal tourism to investigate, analyze and summarize what is already known…
Abstract
Purpose
This review paper is based on secondary research of published literature on customer’s satisfaction in halal tourism to investigate, analyze and summarize what is already known about this current topic and to provide future directions about what could be known in the future.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study follows a systematic approach, using the PRISMA protocol. Online databases, namely, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar, were used for the data extraction. The data under investigation include articles published till July 2023.
Findings
However, an academic exploration of the burgeoning customer’s satisfaction with halal tourism is just getting started. It is an interesting subset of the tourism industry with potential. Recent studies have shed light on the importance of customers’ satisfaction in halal tourism by highlighting its most important aspects, as well as the most prominent theories, published authors, journals and research gaps. Toward the end of this study, suggestions for future research are made along these lines.
Originality/value
This study examines the conceptual evolution, potential and fruitful application of customers’ satisfaction in halal tourism in the postpandemic world. This study provides intriguing contextual data and insightful knowledge presented in a new context. This study discusses a comprehensive investigation and includes both academic and managerial consequences.
Details
Keywords
Mohamed Battour, Khalid Mady, Mohamed Salaheldeen, Ririn Tri Ratnasari, Ramzi Sallem and Saleh Al Sinawi
The huge Muslim population has increased the demand for halal tourism products and destination factors in this niche tourism segment. Despite the growing body of research…
Abstract
Purpose
The huge Muslim population has increased the demand for halal tourism products and destination factors in this niche tourism segment. Despite the growing body of research conducted regarding ChatGPT’s revolutionary impact on the tourism industry, the use of such an artificial intelligence (AI) tool in halal tourism needs more attention. This study aims to provide a comprehensive an overview of using ChatGPT in the tourism industry, specifically in halal tourism, and offer an agenda for further essential research questions exploration.
Design/methodology/approach
Through the intensive examination of the tourism literature dealing with AI and halal tourism, this review identifies the implications related to the use of ChatGPT for Muslim travelers and future trends in halal tourism.
Findings
This paper identified the possible utilization of ChatGPT in assisting Muslim travelers across various stages of their journey, encompassing pre-trip, staying and post-trip phases. Subsequently, this paper identified the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing ChatGPT in the context of halal tourism. Finally, the paper delves into potential avenues for future research.
Practical implications
The findings serve as crucial implications, contributing to the theory of halal tourism development and the applications of ChatGPT in halal tourism.
Originality/value
This paper provides essential foundational knowledge for upcoming research on halal tourism theory, ChatGPT and the development of halal tourism sector.
Details
Keywords
Hendrik Hendrik, Sri Suning Kusumawardani and Adhistya Erna Permanasari
The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive literature review on the application of information technology (IT) in Halal tourism. Halal tourism is a segment of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive literature review on the application of information technology (IT) in Halal tourism. Halal tourism is a segment of the tourism business catering to Muslims in accordance with Islamic law, which has significant potential for economic growth and is an important export market for the global tourism industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Following the guidelines of Kitchenham, this study developed four research questions to achieve its objective. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology, collecting and assessing 163 English-language publications published between 2016 and 2022, resulting in 18 relevant documents.
Findings
The review identified nine key research topics related to IT in Halal tourism, which are organized into three major themes: technology-enhanced Halal tourism, digital marketing and communications in Halal tourism and quality and satisfaction in Halal tourism.
Originality/value
This paper fills a gap in the existing literature by synthesizing the current research on the use of IT in Halal tourism. It also proposes potential areas for future research, such as developing artificial intelligence-powered applications for Halal tourism through the creation of a domain-specific knowledge graph.
Details
Keywords
Preeti Kalyan and Punit Moris Ekka
This study aims to explore the motivations of emerging market millennial Muslims to partake in halal tourism, a developing sector of the travel industry that caters to the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the motivations of emerging market millennial Muslims to partake in halal tourism, a developing sector of the travel industry that caters to the religious practices of Muslim tourists.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is qualitative in nature. In-depth interviews were conducted with millennials aged 25–40 in India to gain an understanding of the factors that influence their decision-making and travel behaviour. Further, thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.
Findings
The findings emphasise the intricate interplay between faith, cultural and social factors in millennial Indians’ motivations for halal travel. The study found that religious motivations, such as the desire to fulfil religious duties and participate in spiritual experiences, were significant factors in halal tourism. Social motivations, such as the desire to interact with other Muslims and strengthen family ties, also played a significant role. The study also highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability and conservation efforts in the decision-making process of Indian millennials when choosing halal travel options.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature on halal tourism by exploring the motivations of emerging-market millennial Muslims. The study is original in its focus on the Indian context and the inclusion of sustainability and conservation efforts in the analysis of motivations for halal tourism.