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PART 3 : DEVELOPING ISLAMIC TOURISM STANDARDS
In developing Islamic tourism standards , subject to a particular segment , a destination has three things to consider – the purpose , process and outcome .
We have to ask ourselves the motivation and primary purpose , the process involved , and the outcomes of the standards to be developed .
Our decision may be influenced by the market environment , the market ’ s readiness , the purpose for setting the standards , the feasibility of practical applications and the current best practices .
Good standards will not kill the industry , but instead facilitate , inspire , encourage and transform the industry players towards complying , embracing and promoting the standard .
The challenge is , however , to strike a balance between encouraging and imposing compliance and practical implementation of the standards .
In terms of process , a good and dynamic standard must consider the interests of all stakeholders .
It requires reviewing any relevant current standards , understanding the real business conducts on the ground , comparing them against the faith-based needs of Muslim tourists , and getting the buy-in from relevant parties , like the entrepreneurs , regulators , suppliers , consumers , tourism industry players and NGOs .
This also emphasises the importance of protecting and conserving basic human needs , nature , and the environment to benefit generations who will live in harmony and respect each other .
For the benefit of tourists , specific tour packages can be developed based on this standard , covering purpose , process and outcome . They can even be a customised luxury tour programme to cater for high disposal income and special interest tourists who care for Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) and Environment and Social Governance ( ESG ) through Islamic lenses and perspectives .
As a precautionary remark , having a good standard alone is not enough , but more importantly as how is that the standard brings and integrates benefits , respects , trusts , balance , good values , riba ’ - free profits and good reputation to suppliers , consumers and the country & global as a whole .
These are wide in spectrum and challenging to pursue . Islamic travel , tourism , and hospitality have the opportunity to show their leadership in this transformational travel era , insha-Allah .
May Almighty bless us all . Thank you . Wishing all @ Halal readers a fulfilling and rewarding Ramadhan and joyful Hari Raya Puasa ( Eid ul Fitr ) and successful months ahead , insha-Allah . Maaf Zahir & Batin . See you again . –
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ence and technology .
History may repeat such excellent innovation and contribution , but this time , it is the contribution of Islamic tourism and hospitality to global tourism .
There are already several critical international events promoting Muslim-friendly tourism being organised , including World Islamic Tourism Conference ( WITC ) in Kuala Lumpur , the International Halal ( Muslim- Friendly ) Tourism Congress in Istanbul , the Muslim Travel Show in London , and many international Halal Trade Shows worldwide .
The global tourism industry looks to rebound , with more experts seeing a potential return of international arrivals to the 2019 level . One of the significant forces shaping the tourism economy is the enormous 2 billion Muslim population worldwide .
Not all may travel regionally and internationally due to various reasons . Yet they are travellers and potential travellers within their means and capacities . As the demand for travel among Muslims continues to grow significantly , it is imperative to ensure that the quality of tourism products and services prescribed in the halal standards are met .
These refer to the origin and processes of travel and tourism supply chains .
PART 1 : ISLAMIC TOURISM STANDARDS
The tourism industry possesses various types of standards , legislations and certifications in the market that govern the well-being of businesses and developments , among others related to travel and tour operations , hospitality , accommodations , destination management , aviation , food & beverages ( F & B ), competency , sustainability , crisis and reputation management along with travel technology .
There are continuous efforts and initiatives
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in many countries to raise these standards to safeguard the interests of consumers and suppliers .
In the context of Islamic tourism specifically in halal and Muslim-friendly tourism , Malaysia has introduced the first standard of its kind to the industry as MS 2610:2015 Muslim-friendly hospitality services- requirements .
It became the principal source of documents for the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ) through The Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries ( SMICC ) in developing a specific standard on tourism , known as OIC / SMIIC 9:2019 Halal Tourism Services – General Requirements .
In a similar interest , OIC / COMCEC / 33- 17 / D – COMCEC MFT Guideline for regulating accommodation establishments was published in February 2017 . ( COMCEC and MFT refer to the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and Muslim Friendly Tourism , respectively )
PART 2 : THE IMPORTANCE AND BENEFITS OF ISLAMIC TOURISM STANDARDS
Today ’ s travel space is rather congested with more new entrants into the market . Hence , the industry has to face the complexity of segments - physical and psychological needs of travellers . It is dynamic .
The standards are required to facilitate these needs and requirements for the best benefit of end-users . They are developed not to curtail , limit and control innovation but to advance stakeholders ’ thinking , acquire the best techniques and promote transformational leadership .
This considers the travelling patterns , demographic and behavioural change , and new social , political , geographical and techno-
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“ For the benefit of tourists , specific tour packages can be developed based on this standard , covering purpose , process and outcome . They can even be a customised luxury tour programme to cater for high disposal income and special interest tourists who care for Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) and Environment and Social Governance ( ESG ) through Islamic lenses and perspectives .” |