Muslim Friendly Tourism:
Regulating Accommodation Establishments
In the OIC Member Countries
87
6.1.5. Implement and Monitor
It is critical that MFT regulation is implemented effectively and is closely monitored to ensure
success. This involves the following:
 Training certifiers to conduct MFT hotel inspections
 Conducting mystery shopping on a regular basis
 Making sure any deviations from the specified criteria are corrected by the
accommodation facilities (and making sure fines are enforced in case of
deviation)
6.1.6. Measure benefits
It is important to articulate clear benefits of MFT regulation nationally, in terms of Muslim tourist
receipts, as well as on the individual hotel level. An increase in sales due to certification will build
confidence and encourage other hotels to become certified.
Many hotels fear that adopting MFT standards will result in alienating mainstream guests and a
loss of business. Success stories of hotels that increased their business after adopting an MFT
standard should be highlighted. Interviews with several hotel managers, such as the General
Manager of Alanda hotel in Spain which became Halal certified after being bought by a Saudi
group, revealed the contrary. Hotels reported that mainstream travelers continue using their
hotels, especially if they seek a family-friendly environment, or a safe environment free of
alcohol, in the case of female business travelers or sports teams.
6.1.7. Gather industry and consumer feedback
After the standard has been implemented, collect feedback from the accommodation sector,
regulators as well as from consumers. Continue monitoring and periodically gathering feedback.
6.1.8. Re-assess Standard
Based on the level of benefits that have been realized and the feedback that has been gathered
from all stakeholders, reassess the standard and revise if necessary.
6.2. Recommendations for the OIC Countries with Existing Regulation
Some of the steps mentioned in section 6.1 are still relevant for the OIC countries that have MFT
regulation. While some steps probably already exist, such as a nation-wide MFT strategy, it
makes sense to revisit it the strategy to ensure it supports MFT regulation and vice versa.
Figure 23: Recommendations for the OIC Countries with Existing Regulations
Source: DinarStandard
Improving
Existing
Standard
Improving
Implementation
Increasing
Adoption of
Standard