Need to pioneer Islamic tourism in tourist resorts in Maldives

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to formulate ways in which Maldives could pioneer Islamic tourism on a befitting framework and financing structure as a leverage to develop its tourism industry. Design/methodology/approach The research uses qualitative approach whereby primary and empirical data on tourism practices as well as relevant laws and guidelines, issued in Maldives and in other Muslim jurisdictions of the Muslim, are analyzed. Doctrinal approach is used in analyzing secondary data on the subject. Findings The research reveals the potential of Islamic tourism in Maldives as well as the challenges that have constrained its development in the country. Certainty is needed in halal products, services and conducts. Codifying extant Maldives Halal Tourism Standards will establish legal framework for a standard Shariah-compliant tourism industry. Islamic financing structure enables mobilizing required funds and address financing constraints. Practical implications This research presents an insight into establishing and developing Islamic tourism industry in the Maldives. Harmonizing tourism regulations with Shariah shall bring about the required consciousness on Shariah compliance in target tourists and their desires. Private individuals can contribute in mobilizing the much needed Shariah-compliant resources to finance Islamic model resorts befitting an Islamic tourism industry. Originality/value The research puts forward proposal that identifies and recognizes a more viable Islamic financing alternative as well as Shariah-compliant regulations to pioneer the development of Islamic tourism in Maldives. The research recommends how to overcome related challenges helps government understand the proposed strategies for establishing Islamic tourism industry.

Development Strategies for Tourism Destinations in Semarang Old Town

“…Based on the calculations from the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), it shows that the criteria for service to visitors are the second priority criteria in the strategy for developing tourism destinations in Semarang Old Town Area. In line with the results of research which states that to overcome obstacles in the development of the tourism industry is to improve public services (Muneeza et al, 2019). Services in this case are focused on human resources in tourism objects in the City Old Semarang area.…”

“…The management of the old town needs to be improved with the addition of several management personnel to make it better in the future. This is in line with the research which states that it is necessary to improve comfort and public services by the manager of tourism objects especially the cleanliness of the tourism object's environment, improvement of public facilities and addition of supporting facilities in the form of health clinics, tourism security posts, money changers, ATMs, sufficient parking lots, establishment of tourism object management agency and human resource development in the tourism sector so as to increase the number of tourists (Praniti et al, 2015;Khotimah et al, 2017 ;Rusdarti, 2017;Pinasthika & Pradoto, 2018;Sherdianto & Anom, 2018;Muneeza et al, 2019).…”

“…In addition, the services provided by the tour manager to visitors must also be improved. Good service will make tourists feel satisfied and not reluctant to return to visit the tourism (Muneeza et al, 2019).…”

Islamic Finance and Halal Tourism: An Unexplored Bridge for Smart Specialization

“…The presence of Islamic financial institutions is one of prerequisite materials that a Halal tourism destination should provide [25]. In addition, IF could address financial constraints and can offer financing solutions for developing a good tourist infrastructure [26], a factor that improves the quality of HT [27].…”

Islamic Hospital: Maqasid al-Shariah, Islamic Tourism, and Halal Ecosystem Prospects

“…Chianeh, Kian and Azgoomi (2019) distinguish between Islamic tourism and halal tourism, where Islamic tourism refers to going abroad for religious purposes and pilgrimages and is associated with acts of faith related to the Islamic religion such as Hajj and Umrah. On the other hand, halal tourism destinations are recreational, recreational and socially related to the Islamic faith which finds God's creation (Muneeza et al, 2020). However, Al-Ansi, Olya & Han (2022) have used the terms interchangeably as similar concepts.…”