Gurel Cetin (Istanbul University) Mithat Zeki Dincer2 (Istanbul University)

Abstract

This study explores the importance of Muslim friendly tourism (MFT) and discusses some definitions of this concept as an emerging field of study within the tourism discipline. With a well above average growth rate tourists with an Islamic belief constitute an important part of travel trade. This segment is also referred to as Halal tourism and Islamic tourism. Although there are various interpretations, most would agree that Islam is a demanding religion and affect its followers’ daily life. Therefore Muslim travelers require additional facilities and services than most travelers belonging to other religions and tourists without a religious beliefs. Yet there is a gap in the literature about these needs, definitions and segmentation of MFT. The literature has so far failed to offer a universal framework to define MFT and its importance thereof. This note is an initial attempt to discuss the importance of MFT and various approaches to this phenomena.