Halal tourism: a web content analysis in Italy

Abstract

Due to the increase in the Muslim population and per capita income worldwide, halal tourism and Islamic finance sectors have caught a rapid development trend in recent years. This study presents information about halal concept hotels in Italy, a European country where halal tourism offer is an emerging sector. In this study, interview and web content analysis, which are qualitative research techniques, were used. The study's main purpose is to give preliminary information about the halal products and services offered in Italy, one of the most preferred countries by Muslim tourists, to reveal the current situation of halal concept hotels and the evaluations for the future of halal tourism in Italy. According to the research results, over 800 hotels across Italy have at least one halal product or service. Although Lazio is the region with the highest number of halal hotels, the most common halal hotel group is 4-star hotels. Italy has 194 halal-concept pools and beach facilities for women and families. Among the facilities halal-themed hotels offer tourists are prayer areas, halal food, alcohol-free rooms and family privacy.

Keywords

• Halal Tourism
• İslamic finance
• Italy
• Halal-concept hotels
• Muslim tourists