Sustainable, smart and muslim-friendly tourist destinations

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools are perfect for developing tourism. Several countries are making an effort to become smart and sustainable tourist destinations, making it easier for tourists to interact with their environment while at the same time improving the quality of life for local people. There are many studies of this process and the benefits it brings, although most of them approach the subject from a western traveler’s point of view. This article aims to study the benefits of being a smart and Muslim-friendly tourist destination. An exploratory study was therefore carried out, including a bibliographical review of over one hundred secondary sources. We analyze the Muslim-friendly online services provided by nine destinations, and one of our principal conclusions is that these online services are of the greatest importance for a destination to be truly Muslim-friendly. We also conclude that such services allow companies to design tailored proposals and promote them through digital channels aimed at Muslim people.