Potential of islamic tourism in foreign countries

POTENTIAL OF ISLAMIC TOURISM IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES

Khaydarova Nigina Ro`zimurod kizi

Bukhara College of Tourism and Cultural Heritage,

Lecturer of Department of Tourism and Economy

Hayitov Bekhruz Zhobirovich

Bukhara College of Tourism and Cultural Heritage,

Lecturer of Department of Tourism and Economy

Master student of BukhSU, Department of Tourism and hotel management

Abstract. The article reveals the potential for the development of Islamic tourism in foreign countries.At work, they consider approaches to distinguishing between the concepts of "Islamic tourism" and "Halal tourism", emphasizing their features and components, and also offer their own approach to the definition of "Islamic tourism", which covers not only pilgrimage but also trips for other purposes, subject to Sharia requirements.

Keywords: islamic tourism, halal tourism, halal, pilgrimage, religious tourism.

Introduction. After the events of September 11, 2001, according to a number of researchers, the world experienced a reorientation of tourist flows (Carboni, Perelli, Sistu 2017: 88). Muslim-majority countries were discriminated against by American and European tourists (Stephenson 2014: 162), primarily due to fears for their own safety. At the same time, Muslim tourists began to visit Muslim countries more often. Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey, Bahrain and Malaysia have become the most popular destinations for Muslim tourists since 9/11 (Al-Hamarneh, Steiner 2004).

A number of authors (Battour, Ismail, Battor 2011) call this reorientation the "Islamization" of tourism. In the scientific literature, such concepts as "Islamic tourism", "Halal tourism", "Muslim tourism" began to be actively used tourism”, “Sharia hotels”, “halal hotels”, “halal hospitality”. The word "halal" (translated from Arabic - free, unbound) in Islamic jurisprudence means actions or objects permitted by Sharia. The halal industry includes the food industry, finance, pharmaceuticals, tourism, media, clothing and accessories, cosmetics, etc.[1]

The term “Islamic tourism”, seems to be a more accurate and universal concept than “halal tourism”, since it includes not only travel aimed at rest, treatment, cultural or educational program in compliance with Sharia requirements, but also a pilgrimage to holy places. Islamic tourism can also include so-called "halal-friendly" tourism. This type of tourism includes additional halal services at the request of consumers, which usually provided by hotels. For example, if a hotel sells alcohol, but there are no alcoholic drinks in the minibar in some rooms, and the hotel guests are offered a choice of halal food, then such a hotel can be considered halal-friendly, not a halal hotel.

The crisis in the tourism industry, caused by restrictions related to the spread of COVID-19, has also affected Islamic tourism. Annual tourism spending is expected to fall to $58 billion, but experts suggest a gradual return to the indicators of 2018-2019. could start as early as 2023. [2]

During the coronavirus pandemic, a number of regions where Islamic tourism services are widely represented continued to receive tourists. Since May 2020, in Egypt, local residents have been allowed to check into hotels (25% occupancy, from June ‒ 50%), and since August 2020, limited international flights have been opened for tourists traveling to the resorts of the Red Sea provinces (Hurghada, Marsa Alam), South Sinai (Sharm El Sheikh)

and Mersa Matruh.[3]

Türkiye has also resumed flights with several countries since June 2020. Tourists from most countries can enter the country subject to certain conditions (availability of a vaccination certificate, a negative PCR test).[4]

However, some countries still retain entry bans. Malaysia lifted restrictions on domestic tourism from June 7, 2020, but as of October 7, 2021, free entry for foreign tourists was prohibited, and entry was required to obtain a permit.[5]

Those travel agencies and operators that organize the Hajj and Umrah (small pilgrimage) have been the most affected by the restrictions, as Saudi Arabia has significantly limited the number of pilgrims in 2020-2021.[6]

The contribution of the tourism industry to Saudi Arabia's GDP in 2019 was 9.8% and was estimated at US$79.2 billion. In 2020, this type of economic activity was estimated at 48.5 billion, which is 38.8% lower compared to the previous year. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Saudi Arabia is one of the countries with the fastest growing tourism sector, driven by the Vision 2030 strategy to develop the sector and attract foreign tourists.[7]

The focus is on articles on developing the tourism industry in African countries. This type of tourism on this continent is represented unevenly. Several countries are the undisputed leaders in the standard segment of the tourism business: Egypt, Morocco and South Africa have the most developed halal tourism infrastructure (hotels, catering) compared to other countries in the region.

Senegal Morocco annually attracts pilgrims from all over the world to visit Islamic cultural heritage sites. Tunisia is engaged in a developed medical infrastructure and quality of services that attract foreign patients. In addition, Tunisia offers a halal-friendly destination according to the Crescent Rating.[8]

May be available for the development of graduation services. Tanzania, Kenya and Algeria are also marked in the ranking of countries attractive to halal tourists.

Islamic tourism: on the issue of terminology

In the scientific literature, the term "religious tourism" has been used for a long time. The connection between religion and tourism is most often associated with pilgrimage, the oldest form of tourism.[9]

Religious tourism is closely related to other types of tourism, especially cultural, recreational and social tourism (Rinschede 1992: 65). Religious tourism is not limited to pilgrimages to holy places, but also includes country or city sightseeing, possible optional excursions and educational programs, and is most often carried out as part of a group, which emphasizes its social component (Rinschede 1992:59–61).

Islamic tourism is one of the varieties of religious tourism. Research interest in it in the academic literature can be traced back to around the 1980s. Kadir Din (Din 1989: 547) notes that in Muslim countries travel for the purpose of, for example, pilgrimage is encouraged, and hedonistic forms of tourism are discouraged10. Also at work, he introduces the concept of "Islamic concept of tourism" and notes the importance of the following conditions for Muslim tourists during a tourist trip: the availability of places for prayer, halal food, the absence of alcohol and inappropriate entertainment (discotheques, casinos, etc.).