Digitalisation Empowerment in Mosque Tourism Management; A Potential and Current Practice

Abstract

Through its tourism activities, the tourism industry has previously become the primary contributor to the country's economic growth in terms of culture, environment, and community. In addition to Islamic tourism, Mosques are getting popular due to their unique architecture. Seri Sendayan Mosque, Putra Mosque, Kristal Mosque, and others were built to attract global tourists and contribute to the industry's glory. However, the lack of attraction requires a greater focus on the management and positioning of mosque tourism in Malaysia. Digitalisation is seen as an alternative to improve mosques' positioning strategy and management to be more efficient in the tourism industry. This step is in line with the agenda of Sustainable Development Goals to promote regeneration, preserve cultural heritage, sustain city communities, and strengthen the institution of the mosque as a peaceful place for community gatherings. This strategy is crucial in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring the industry to adhere to specific standard operating procedures (SOP), limiting the physical activities traditionally involved in tourism. Therefore, this study examines and reviews the current digitisation practices used in the operations of mosque tourism in Malaysia. Several mosques benchmark digitalisation practices were observed before reaching a thematic conclusion based on observations and conceptual reading. According to the findings, certain mosques have begun to move their traditional methods of operation to digitalisation, at least through the use of a QR code or my Sejahtera. Furthermore, several have made advancements in digitalisation concerning mosque management and public positioning.