Muslim Friendly Tourism Management from The Perspective of Malaysian Standard MS 2610: An Overview

Abstract

Tourist management is vital in tourism management. It is important to note that tourist plays an important role in ensuring the sustainability of tourism segments or products. To ensure the success of tourism industry, whether Muslim friendly tourism or conventional tourism, tourism services provider including the travel and tour operators, tour guide and relevant tourism agencies of the country should ensure tourist welfare, interest and objectives of coming to any particular country are fulfilled. In light of these points, this study will elaborate the concept of Muslim friendly atmosphere, the need of Muslim tourist, tour guide, travel and tour package. The main purpose of this paper is to raise awareness about the growing Muslim friendly tourism market segment and identify the fundamental characteristics that surrounds this segment. Moreover, this research will also provide an answer to several questions including what is tourism? what is Muslim friendly tourism? what are the components of Muslim friendly atmosphere? what is Malaysian Standard MS 2610 and its objective? The methodology is largely reliant on secondary information. The study will proceed by analysing the existing literature on Muslim friendly tourism, the Malaysian Standard on Muslim friendly Hospitality Services Requirements MS 2610, published journal articles, online references and materials, the role of Muslim friendly tour guide, and the do’s and don’t’s in Muslim friendly tourism. This study will then discuss the findings of the research, and lastly to make a proposal and recommendations for improvements in Muslim friendly tourism in general.