How Muslim-Friendly Travel Sets a New Standard for Sustainable Tourism

As the demand for sustainable tourism continues to rise globally, a panel discussion at the 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference (WITC) explored how Muslim-friendly travel could serve as a model for responsible, inclusive tourism. Titled “The Harmony of Islam and Sustainable Tourism,” the session delved into the potential of Islamic values to shape a new paradigm for tourism that could appeal to both Muslim and non-Muslim travelers. The panel featured distinguished experts including Kingston Khoo, President of Eco-STEPS, and Dr. Nisha Abu Bakar, Co-founder of World Women Tourism, and was moderated by Prof. Dr. Hafiz Hanafiah, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Tourism & Hospitality at MARA University of Technology (UITM).

The discussion centered on how Islamic teachings align closely with sustainable tourism practices, focusing on respect for the environment, ethical treatment of local communities, and the responsible use of resources. With the growing recognition that tourism needs to be sustainable to ensure long-term viability, the panelists argued that Muslim-friendly travel is naturally positioned to meet these demands, offering solutions that could transform the industry.

Islamic Values and the Principles of Sustainability

Opening the discussion, Kingston Khoo highlighted the natural synergy between Islamic teachings and sustainable tourism. According to Khoo, Islam places a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, community support, and ethical behavior—principles that mirror the foundations of sustainability.

“In Islam, we are taught to respect the earth and its resources, avoid waste, and treat others with fairness and compassion,” Khoo explained. “These are the same values that underpin sustainable tourism. When we talk about eco-friendly travel, halal tourism inherently supports these principles by promoting ethical consumption, supporting local economies, and minimizing negative environmental impact.”

Khoo elaborated on how Muslim-friendly travel has the potential to attract a broader audience, particularly as travelers become more conscious of their impact on the destinations they visit. From eco-friendly accommodations to organic halal food offerings, Muslim-friendly destinations already provide an ethical framework for travelers seeking more sustainable experiences.

“Many tourists today, whether Muslim or not, are looking for destinations that align with their values, and this includes environmental consciousness,” he said. “The principles of Muslim-friendly travel, such as minimizing harm to nature, supporting local businesses, and fostering cultural exchange, can appeal to a wide variety of tourists who care about sustainability.”

Muslim-Friendly Travel: A Global Model for Sustainable Tourism

Dr. Nisha Abu Bakar, Co-founder of World Women Tourism, echoed Khoo’s points and expanded on how Muslim-friendly travel can evolve into a global paradigm for sustainable tourism. Dr. Nisha highlighted how more travelers, regardless of religious background, are seeking meaningful experiences that not only respect the environment but also benefit local communities.

“Muslim-friendly tourism offers a holistic approach to travel that is rooted in sustainability and inclusivity,” Dr. Nisha noted. “We are seeing a growing interest from travelers who want to ensure their trips leave a positive impact. This goes beyond just eco-tourism—it’s about cultural respect, economic equity, and environmental responsibility.”

Dr. Nisha emphasized that Muslim-friendly travel practices are inherently sustainable because they promote the economic empowerment of local communities while preserving cultural and environmental resources. She explained that one of the central tenets of Islamic teachings is the balance between enjoying the earth’s resources and protecting them for future generations, a principle that aligns seamlessly with the goals of sustainable tourism.

“The future of tourism is tied to sustainability, and Muslim-friendly travel provides a strong foundation for this. By promoting small, community-driven businesses, minimizing environmental footprints, and respecting cultural traditions, Muslim-friendly travel can lead the way in setting new global standards for responsible tourism,” she added.

She also touched on the empowering role that Muslim-friendly tourism plays in promoting gender equality and supporting underrepresented groups within local tourism ecosystems. “Muslim-friendly travel is not just about addressing religious needs; it’s also about ensuring that tourism is a force for good. This includes supporting women’s participation in the tourism industry, providing economic opportunities for marginalized communities, and ensuring that everyone benefits from the growth of tourism.”

Economic and Cultural Impact: A Sustainable Future for All

One of the key points raised during the panel discussion was the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation. As the tourism industry expands, particularly in emerging markets, there is an increasing risk of over-exploitation of resources and degradation of local cultures. The panelists agreed that Muslim-friendly travel offers a blueprint for balancing these competing interests.

Prof. Dr. Hafiz Hanafiah, who moderated the session, explained how Islamic teachings provide a framework for achieving harmony between tourism development and environmental protection. He stressed that sustainable tourism must prioritize the needs of local communities alongside those of the environment.

“Islamic principles, such as the concepts of haram and halal, offer valuable guidelines for ethical and sustainable tourism. In Muslim-friendly travel, there is a built-in focus on moderation, ethical behavior, and respect for both the natural world and the people who live there,” Prof. Hafiz explained. “This is why Muslim-friendly travel is uniquely positioned to become the new model for global tourism, balancing the needs of tourists, locals, and the environment.”

He also discussed the role of community engagement in creating sustainable tourism practices. According to Prof. Hafiz, successful Muslim-friendly destinations actively involve local communities in the development and management of tourism projects, ensuring that they benefit both economically and culturally from the influx of visitors.

“Sustainable tourism must be community-driven,” he said. “Local communities need to have a stake in the tourism industry, not just as employees but as partners. Muslim-friendly travel, by its very nature, encourages this kind of involvement by prioritizing respect for local traditions, cultures, and resources.”

The Path Forward: Muslim-Friendly Travel as the Default for All

As the panel concluded, the consensus was clear: Muslim-friendly travel, with its intrinsic focus on sustainability, respect for culture, and economic equity, could serve as a model for the future of tourism. The growing demand for responsible, ethical travel is not limited to Muslim tourists. As more travelers prioritize sustainability, the principles of Muslim-friendly travel are likely to resonate with a global audience.

“Muslim-friendly tourism is setting the stage for the future of travel,” Dr. Nisha said in her closing remarks. “It offers a sustainable, inclusive, and responsible model that can be adopted by travelers of all backgrounds. As the demand for conscious travel grows, destinations that embrace these principles will be at the forefront of the tourism industry.”

Kingston Khoo echoed her sentiment, adding, “The harmony between Islamic values and sustainable tourism offers a new way forward. Whether you’re a Muslim or not, the principles of Muslim-friendly travel—respect for the environment, cultural sensitivity, and ethical consumption—are universal and will shape the future of tourism for all.”