Comparing Hedonism with Responsible Tourism Diversities

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the importance and necessity of responsible tourism as a solution for problems arising from hedonic consumption and its negative impact on sustainability. Associated with the increasing production volumes of consumption goods in the market, hedonic consumption-a concept which involves consumers' use of products to fulfill fantasies and satisfy emotions-is directly linked to environmental pollution, destruction of limited natural resources, and loss of national values. Tourism is one of the sectors in which environmental, natural and social impacts of hedonic consumption unfold. Relying directly on nature and social environment, tourism has been losing its assets as a result of hedonic consumption. In this context, ecotourism-a mode of responsible tourism which advocates sustainable tourism-stands out as it does not disturb local lifestyles, while rural tourism can be considered as an alternative as it involves touristic operations held in villages and farmland which also conserve social life. Another alternative is cittaslow which protects local traditions and cuisines. Moreover, environmentally-conscious tourism offers certification programs which contribute to sustainability, awarding those businesses with best practices. Halal tourism, on the other hand, rejects wastefulness and places great importance on sustainable tourism with its respect to social life and religious beliefs.

The conflict of halal and hedonism, investigating halal-sensitive tourists’ hedonic tendency

“…Hedonic consumption perceptions of women are higher. This finding is similar to the researches (Scherhorn, et al , 1990; Rook and Hoch, 1985; Chang, 2001; Arnold and Reynolds, 2003; Kruger and Byker, 2009 Tifferet and Herstein, 2012; Doğan et al , 2014).…”

“…In the literature, it is accepted by many authorities that halal tourism is a tourism approach that is maintained according to the orders and prohibitions of the Islamic religion (Faruki, 1966;Arpacı and Batman, 2015;Battour and Ismail, 2016;Mohsin et al, 2016;Batman, 2017, p. 32;Sarac et al, 2019;Pamukcu and Sariisik, 2020). Islam is a heavenly religion that is Notes: *p < 0,05 there is a significant difference; p > 0,05 there is no significant difference JIMA 14,9…”

“…diametrically opposed to hedonism with its rules that prohibit waste, protect the environment and respect social-cultural life (Sarac et al, 2019). The halal-conscious tourist is the subject of halal tourism.…”

“…As can be seen, it is concluded that the expressions in the Quran and hadith (See Table 1), the two main authorities on which the halal understanding is based, support a sustainable tourism approach that does not threaten or destroy the social life and the environment (Sarac et al, 2019), but rather benefits the environment and those living in it (Batman, 2017, p. 32). In this case, the fact that HSTs do not have high hedonic consumption habits is an "Whoever cuts a litter tree (unnecessarily), Allah will stretch his head to Hell" (Abi Dawud, Adab, 158-159) "Give the relative his due, even if the poor and stranded.…”

“…Reasons for halal-sensitive tourists to stay in halal concept hotels According to Sarac et al (2019), halal tourism is shaped within the framework of Islamic religion and is very important in protecting the environment, preventing waste and valuing social life, cultural values and religious beliefs. For this reason, the reasons why HSTs stay in halal concept hotels were questioned.…”