Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT):
Understanding the Supply and Demand Sides
In the OIC Member Countries
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b) Prayer Facilities
Tunisia has plenty of mosques and prayer facilities located in main areas of every cities. Here
are some examples in Tunisia’s main cities:
- In the old city of Tunis, the Medina, Zaytuna Masjid is the largest and is one of the main
landmarks in the city.
- Sousse has a number of ancient Masjid with the main being the Great Masjid built in
850A.D. It is located in the centre of the city.
- In Sfax, there is the Great Masjid, founded in 849AD and rebuilt in the 10th/11th
century.
c) Ramadhan Services
Many restaurants offer Ramadhan services which includes Iftar buffet dinner. A number of
tourist travels to the country to spend their fasting month. After Iftar a variety of food stalls
scattered outside the mosques provide local street food.
d) Water friendly Washroom
A few hotels are beginning to provide rooms with attach bathroom that are water friendly.
e) No Non-Halal Activities & Recreational facilities and facilities with privacy
There are no Hotels, beaches or other tourism services which caters to the needs of some
Muslims looking for such facilities. Tunisia is ideally positioned to look a small section of its
facilities offering such services.
Demand Side Analysis
a) Leisure Travel
This is the majority of travel into Tunisia. Holidays at various beach resorts and dining are a
few key attractions. Muslim tourists from neighboring countries (e.g. Algeria and Libya) have
holiday frequently in Tunisia. However, the recent security-related problems have impacted its
tourism market.
b) Business Travel
Current climate does not favor the business travel market. When the country becomes more
stable, it could look at developing the MICE sector.
c) Healthcare Travel
The number of Muslim tourist traveling to Tunisia for health tourism was growing at a steady
rate. Increasing number of medical tourists is visiting Tunisia every year. The majority come
from Libya because of the relatively better level of care available in Tunisia. and the current
state of Libyan healthcare. Libyans regularly visit private Tunisian hospitals for check-up, with
their government helping pay the professional fees for the medical service. Cosmetic surgery
and dental treatment are reasons the country attracts many patients. Health Minister