The purpose of this paper is to explore issues, challenges and suggestions on factors that can help the implementation of big scale Halal tourism in Malaysia. Qualitative method was used where data were collected through observations and interviews with relevant stakeholders in the industry, mainly from a pool of tourist guides, due to their specific experiences in the industry. Other data were collected from Muslim tourists from the Middle East thus the experience might be influenced by their religious and cultural views. Three major patterns are identified to be the main issues and challenges in implementing big scale Halal tourism in Malaysia. The patterns are itinerary/package, Halal foods, and morality/modesty. Some suggestions are proposed to solve some of the issues. The policy maker and the practitioner should develop holistic and significant implementation of big scale Halal tourism with emphasis on the itinerary/package, Halal food and morality. The findings of this study provide better understanding of issues and challenges faced not only by the Muslim tourists but also the Muslim tourist guides who are the frontline stakeholders facing the Muslim tourists and their complaints. Finally, this paper provides insightful implications to other stakeholders including the tourism operators and the policy makers.
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In-Text Citation: (Hamid, Aziz, Rahman, & Ali, 2018)
To Cite this Article: Hamid, S. H. A., Aziz, Y. A., Rahman, A. A., & Ali, M. H. (2018). Implementing Big Scale Halal Tourism in Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 8(16), 303–318.
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