Understanding Muslim Tourists Behaviour Toward a Muslim-Friendly Tourism

Muslim consumers’ group represents a large niche market for the tourism industry as its population in both Muslim and non-Muslim countries escalates tremendously. This trend has opened up new business opportunities for the Islamic and Muslim-friendly industry world-wid. This study explored the reasons of traveling to non-Muslim country destinations among Muslim leisure tourists and how they select a travel destination. Additionally, this study identified several destination attributes preferred by Muslim tourists. Using a mixed method approach, this study applied focus groups technique followed by questionnaire surveys to gain deeper insights of the subject being studied. The findings suggest that Muslim tourists differ in their decision-making process and preferences. The implications for tourism service providers in light of promoting a Muslim-friendly tourism are discussed.

Noor Raihan Ab Hamid
Professor / Asia Graduate School of Business, UNITAR International University(Malaysia)

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Doctor of Philosophy- Victoria University, Melbourne Australia 2006
Thesis title: An assessment of the Internet’s potential in enhancing consumer relationships
MBA (Management Information Systems)- University of Hartford, Connecticut USA 1997
BScBA (Finance and Economics)- University of Hartford, Connecticut USA 1995
*Specializations Service Quality, Service Marketing, Customer Relationship Management, Information Systems and Business Strategy, Knowledge Management.
WORK EXPERIENCE ACADEMIC POSTS
UNITAR International University (formerly known as UNITAR) 2007 – current.
• Professor (Since 2011) Asia Graduate School of Business
• Associate Professor (2007-2011) Faculty of Business Administration
MULTIMEDIA UNIVERSITY, Cyberjaya (1999 – 2007)
• Lecturer (1999-2007) Faculty of Management
UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK (UNIMAS) (1997- 1999)
• Lecturer (1997-1999)
Faculty of Economics and Business Courses Taught Postgraduate level
Doctorate level
Advanced Research Methodology, Advanced Quantitative
Techniques, Proposal and Thesis Writing, Seminar in
Management/Business Administration
Masters level
Competitive Intelligence and Asian Business Strategy, ECommerce & Services Marketing, Management Information
Systems, Multimedia Marketing, Knowledge Management.
ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATION POSTS
UNITAR International University (formerly known as UNITAR)
• Dean Asia Graduate School of Business (2014 – current)
• Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & Research) (2012 – 2014)
• Dean Faculty of Business Administration (2007 – 2012)
MULTIMEDIA UNIVERSITY, Cyberjaya
• Associate Dean Faculty of Management 2006 – 2007.
• Head of Department (IT Management) Faculty of Management 2000 – 2003.
• Programme Coordinator, Bachelor of Ecommerce Faculty of Management. 2000 – 2003
PDN RESOURCES SDN BHD.
Assistant Director 1992 –1993.