Factors that Influence Malaysian Muslim Travel Preferences

Abstract

Tourism has become an important industry that contributes to a country’s economy. Currently, the Muslim tourist segment is viewed as one of the important segments in the tourism industry. In addition, there has been a growing interest in understanding the preferences and motivations of Muslim travelers. This is due to the increasing number of Muslim travelers worldwide and the recognition that catering to their specific needs is essential for successful tourism development. The number of Muslim tourists from a Muslim-majority country increases significantly. Muslim travelers are looking for destinations in which the majority of the population are Muslims. This study is aimed to determine the factors that influence Muslim traveler preferences and to determine the most dominant factor that influences Muslim traveler preferences. Therefore, a survey of 100 Malaysian Muslim travelers in Shah Alam Selangor was done to determine the factors that influence Muslim traveler preferences. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) is used to analyze the multiple regression to test hypotheses on the factors that influence Muslim traveler preferences. The result of the survey suggests that halal certification is a significant factor in explaining Muslim traveler preferences. The availability of halal food and Sharia-compliant hotels were found not to have a significant relationship with Muslim travel preferences. This study provides evidence of the detailed needs and preferences of Muslim travelers and enhances the knowledge of tourists, government, and service providers about Islamic tourism