Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT):
Understanding the Supply and Demand Sides
In the OIC Member Countries
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notifications for shutting down of any fuel station on the highways, if its mosques do not meet the
stipulated hygiene and services”
Major Historic mosques or mosques with unique architecture are also becoming sites for
tourists (including non-Muslims) to visit. Non-OIC destinations have been actively setting up
prayer rooms in places like railway stations (Taiwan), shopping Malls (Japan), attractions
(Singapore) and at airports. An increasing number of them are also providing facilities for
wudhu. All the prayer rooms at Japanese International Airports provide prayer rooms with
Wudhu facilities.
Tokyo is now home to more than five prominent mosques - including the biggest mosque in
Japan; the Tokyo Mosque built by the Turkish government. All mosques are found at
convenient locations and can be accessed easily. Taipei offers two mosques for prayers -
including the Taipei Grand Mosque, which is a historic landmark in the country, and the Taipei
Cultural Mosque in the Zhongzheng District. Singapore is home to over 70 mosques. These
mosques are situated at primary locations and can be spotted easily.
Bilal Domah, a Director at Impact Training Group commented that for Muslim tourists, the
availability of prayer rooms and prayer timings was a consideration in planning their journey. He
suggested that perhaps a mobile application which could help identify the location of the nearest
prayer facilities. The application could perhaps offer direction on reaching the area.
2.2.3 Ramadhan Services
OIC member states are well suited for catering to travelers during the month on Ramadhan.
The main development in that regard in OIC member states is the increasing number of
“Ramadhan Bazaars” and “Ramadhan Buffets” at Hotels. Many hotels and restaurants in
countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and GCC countries offer elaborate iftar menus.
Among the non-OIC countries, only a handful are able to cater to the needs of travelers during
Ramadhan. One example is Singapore where, as a part of festive activities for the Ramadan
month, there is a night market at Geylang Serai. With more than 1500 stalls set up, this is a
highly popular place amongst both Muslims and non-Muslims. A variety of local street food is
available and it runs during the whole month of Ramadhan. Australia’s Gold Coast is also
attracting Muslim tourists by offering a Gold Coast Ramadan Lounge.
Few tour operators are beginning to design services based on a Ramadhan theme. They
believed this has a potential to become a sizeable business, especially if local restaurants could
provide iftar packages.
2.2.4 Water Friendly Washroom
It is a Muslim etiquette to use water to clean oneself after going to the toilet. Such facilities are
generally available in OIC destinations, although the survey indicates that the cleanliness of
some public toilets is a major concern. Such facilities are not readily available in non-OIC
destinations, except in some hotels with the use of Bidets. Japan is unique in this regard, as the
Japanese use water after the usage of toilet and as such have developed an inbuilt bidet, also
known as a washlet, especially designed to address this practice. These Japanese style toilets
are beginning to be used by other countries such as Taiwanese hotels.