COMCEC Tourism Outlook 2017
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By the groupings in the OIC Member Countries, it is observed that OIC-MENA has experienced
expansion in tourist arrivals for the period 2004-2015. In the same period, OIC-ASIA has
experienced growth in tourist arrivals. OIC- Sub Saharan Africa constitutes the smallest portion
of the international OIC Tourism. In terms of tourism receipts, OIC-MENA’s performance has
been greater than OIC- Sub Saharan Africa and OIC-Asia in the period 2004-2015. Yet the
preliminary statistics for 2017 oversees a larger growth in Africa and Asia.
In 2015, it was estimated that there were 117 million Muslim international travelers. This is
projected to grow to 168 million by 2020, where the travel expenditure by Muslim travelers is
expected to exceed USD 200 billion (CrescentRating, 2016). The COMCEC Tourism Working
Group has also explored Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT) potential in its three consecutive
meetings. The 7 th Tourism Working Group was held on February 4 th, 2016, with the theme of
“Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT): Understanding the Demand and Supply Side in the OIC Member
Countries.” A research report was prepared on the theme of the meeting, which mainly focused
on creating awareness about MFT as well as the developments regarding the demand and supply
side of MFT in the Member Countries. This report, as well as the Member Country
representatives during the 7th Working Group Meeting highlighted some major challenges faced
by the member countries. In addition to the demand and supply sides of MFT, COMCEC analyzed
product development and marketing aspects of MFT products and services and developing
regulations for accommodation establishments to improve MFT among OIC member states.
These were covered during the 8th and 9th TourismWorking Group Meetings.
Obstacles faced in tourism development are diverse in the Member Countries as each country
has its own tourism features, level of development and national development priorities and
policies. The challenges affecting tourism performance in the Member Countries ranges from,
among others, insufficient tourism-related infrastructure and investments, unskilled tourism
workforce to low-capacity tourism administrations and problems in safety and security.
Safety and security concerns are in the spotlight for OIC member states, and it is assumed that
these issues will continue to cause difficulties in the years ahead. COMCEC will also look into risk
and crises management issues in 2017. Governments need to ensure the safety of tourists and
to minimize the impact of security threats. Incidents like the sector observed in 2015 and 2016
require effective planning and management. These issues will be tackled during the 10th
TourismWorking Group Meeting in September, 2017.
COMCEC Tourism Working Group will deliberate on destination planning, management and
marketing issues from 2018 onwards. The COMCEC Strategy, provides a useful strategic
framework for tourism development and tourism cooperation in the Member Countries with its
new implementation instruments, namely, Tourism Working Group and Project Cycle
Management mechanism.
To stimulate and promote tourism for economic growth, social progress and environmental
sustainability, Member Countries should give priority to tourism sector in their national policies,
foster competitive and responsible business models and practices in tourism, increase
cooperation between the public and private sectors and enhance international cooperation
including cooperation with the member countries.