Norliza Katuk, Ku Ruhana Ku-Mahamud, Kalsom Kayat, Mohd. Noor Abdul Hamid, Nur Haryani Zakaria and Ayi Purbasari
Halal tourism is a subset of tourism activities geared towards Muslim which are aligned with the Islamic principles. As a response to this, many food operators have realised the…
Abstract
Purpose
Halal tourism is a subset of tourism activities geared towards Muslim which are aligned with the Islamic principles. As a response to this, many food operators have realised the importance of having a halal certification to establish a better market position. In the context of Indonesia, it is yet to be known what attitudes the food operators have towards halal certification and what attributes characterised those who have obtained the certification. Therefore, this study aims to examine the attributes of food operators and their attitudes towards halal certification in Indonesia.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey and structured interview were conducted on 298 food operators in Bandung, a city in Indonesia, between August and December 2018. Seven hypotheses were proposed and tested to evaluate the association between halal certification and food operators’ attributes and their attitudes towards it.
Findings
The results of the study suggested that food operators who had halal certification can be characterised by the number of branches the businesses have, the knowledge of halal tourism and knowledge on the market segment. However, the age of their business was found not related to halal certification. In terms of attitudes, the study found that performance beliefs, intention to apply and target market segment had associated with halal certification.
Practical implications
The outcomes of the study could provide information to entities and agencies involved in the tourism industry that consider targeting Muslim travellers as their market segment. Halal certification could be an approach to facilitate tourism marketing and consequently increase the performance of food-related business sectors.
Originality/value
This study provides evidence that could lead to a better understanding of the attributes of food operators and their attitudes towards halal certification in the context of Indonesia’s tourism industry.
Details
Keywords
Mastura Jaafar, Kalsom Kayat, Tania Maria Tangit and Mohd Firdous Yacob
It has been acknowledged that tourism can play a role in employment creation and in raising the rural community's standard of living. This paper aims to examine the economic…
Abstract
Purpose
It has been acknowledged that tourism can play a role in employment creation and in raising the rural community's standard of living. This paper aims to examine the economic benefits emanating from tourism development for a local community in the area of Kinabalu National Park, Sabah.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative data was used to provide an in‐depth analysis of the findings on willingness of residents to participate in tourism activities.
Findings
The local community of Kinabalu National Park perceive the tourism sector to have greatly contributed to their economic growth. However, the community has raised other issues in ensuring the sustainability of the park, especially in terms of the provision of facilities.
Practical implications
The relevant stakeholders need to carefully plan appropriate policies and regulations to ensure maximum economic benefit is gained by local community participation in tourism development within the limited carrying capacity of Kinabalu National Park.
Originality/value
This study provides an understanding of the economic impact of tourism on the local community in Kinabalu National Park. It calls for government action to look into the carrying capacity of the Kinabalu National Park in the near future.