Muslim Friendly Tourism:

Developing and Marketing MFT Products and Services

In the OIC Member Countries

access to these services. Catering for Halal services is still a challenge in Spain, and therefore

the price increase is justified.

Muslim travelers are generally more price conscious than other segments. When visiting

Spain Southeast Asians are more frugal because they have traveled further, which increases

the cost of their flights, their exchange rates are not usually very strong, and most are middle

class or retired people with limited budgets. While Middle Eastern Muslim travelers are not

the ones who question prices, but their local agencies do. Western Muslim travelers are more

accustomed with arranging their own trips in Europe making savings that way.

In most cases, it is not the country of origin that determines whether tourists are price

sensitive, but their economic background.

Challenges



The main challenges brought up during the interviews have been the lack of

knowledge and information about the general tourism industry in Spain for MFT, and

a lack of Halal or Muslim-friendly infrastructure, especially regarding food and

accommodation, and, as a minor one, a political or ideological opposition.



Regarding the lack of information, the main problem is a lack of vision on the side of

many business owners. The demand is there, but it requires investment to fill it. If this

is not done, then the demand will not increase; and this creates a vicious circle.



Convincing Chambers of Commerce and national organizations to promote Spain as a

tourism destination and take an official stand to back the MFT industry in Spain.

259



There is a general lack of Halal infrastructure for both, local and foreign Muslims in

Spain.

260



MFT products and services are tailored and targeted to Muslim travelers and those

involved do not feel the need to develop products that are compatible with Muslims

and non-Muslims.



Currently specializing in MFT is more important than catering for both MFT and

conventional travel, because the latter has a much wider scope. Nevertheless, the

general consensus amongst service providers is that there should not be a problem

with non-Muslims joining products and services tailored for Muslims, so long they are

conscious about it.



The general rising of Islamophobia sentiments in the West is also a growing

challenge.

261

Although not for business owners, which when they are shown the

potential economic benefit put them aside.

262

259

Mariam Isabel Romero, Interview, Cordoba, 2016

260

Ibrahim Hernandez, Interview, Sevilla, 2016

261

Ibid

262

Mariam Isabel Romero, Interview, Cordoba, 2016