Sustainable Destination Management
Strategies in the OIC Member Countries
21
Islamic Silk Road Countries
The Islamic Silk Road is at the
center of where East and West
meet. Representing robust Islamic
tradition and a melting pot of
cultures, it represents what most
people associate with the historic
Silk Road: A connection between
Asia and Europe. As a sub-corridor
of the UNWTO Silk Road
Programme, this corridor can be a
very powerful brand, showcasing
Islamic history and its role in the
Silk Road in contrast to Chinese
and European influence.
Alexander the Great
One of the best known ancient
Greek emperors, Alexander the
Great has high name recognition
internationally. Most countries
ruled by the Macedonian king
are OIC countries. Taking over
the leadership in an Alexander
the Great Corridor in
collaboration with Greece would
position the OIC countries as a
connector between East and
West.
The Travels of Imam Bukhari
Imam Mohammed Al-Bukhari is
considered one of the most
distinguished scholars of Hadith
in Islamic history. His book,
Sahih al-Bukhari, in which the
Prophet's words, actions, and
habits were collected, is one of
the greatest sources of
prophetic influence in history.
Even though this is not an
“official” tourism corridor, it can
be seen as the biggest influence
on Muslim travel in the region.
Bedouin Trails Countries
A corridor promoting the distinct
Arabic heritage and tradition of the
nomadic Bedouin people would
open up the region to international
travelers. With a focus on making
the culture accessible, it would
bring the magnificent natural and
cultural heritage of the area closer
to a larger number of visitors.
Cross-Border Parks and
Protected Areas
In 2006, the OIC had the first
meeting of the Committee on the
Regional Project of “Sustainable
Tourism Development in a
Network of Cross-Border Parks
and Protected Areas in West
Africa.” At this point, numerous
interventions were coordinated
by member countries to discuss
potential corridor development.
The Frankincense Route
A network of trade routes
established between the
historical OIC countries,
carrying goods such as salt,
wheat, wine, weapons, dates,
and animal skins from one
fortified settlement to another.
These paths were the basis of
the frankincense trade routes
between the kingdoms of
southern Arabia, which formed
the starting point of the route
towards the north. For
centuries, incense trade routes
from Arabia Felix to the
Mediterranean were specifically
made with camel caravans,
although, this was not just a
single and permanent route.
This distinct branding would
promote the historical role of
the region.