The Developing Eight (D8) group of Muslim countries is set to convene in the picturesque city of Murree, nestled in Pakistan’s mountains, next week. The primary agenda of this two-day meeting, scheduled for August 4-5, is to explore avenues for bolstering tourism cooperation among the member nations.
The meeting aims to pinpoint potential strategies to augment intra-D8 tourism, aligning with the group’s objectives and goals. It will serve as a platform for tourism experts from member states to fortify their capabilities and devise effective strategies for the post-pandemic tourism landscape.
The participants anticipate that the meeting will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices among member states, fostering cooperation opportunities and exploring avenues to promote bilateral tourism.
The D8, an economic organization established in 1997, is committed to fostering cooperation among its member states, which include Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, and Nigeria. Representing approximately 1 billion people, the D8 accounts for about 14% of the global population.
The member countries, scattered across Asia and Africa, each possess unique characteristics, abundant natural resources, historical sites, and untouched nature, all of which can be leveraged to generate significant income.
The reshaping of the political environment to establish “Islamic tourism” could potentially revolutionize the global tourism industry. Currently, tourism ranks as the third most profitable industry, trailing only the oil and auto industries.
The appeal of the tourism industry lies in its low initial investment requirement, immediate job creation, reduction in unemployment, and increase in income. The tourism industry’s job creation rate significantly outpaces that of other industries, making it an attractive strategy for poverty alleviation.
However, according to international statistics, approximately 80% of global tourism activity is concentrated in industrialized countries, with non-industrialized countries accounting for just 20%.
The tourism industry’s potential to create a plethora of jobs, spanning hotel management, transportation, industry, and trading, makes it a lucrative source of income for Islamic countries. However, this potential can only be realized through the application of modern sciences and techniques and meticulous planning.
Proper management of cultural, social, economic, and even political-religious issues is crucial. For Muslim tourists, the spiritual ambiance of Islamic countries holds a unique appeal. Many Muslims prefer to travel to regions where Islamic culture and values are prevalent.
The availability of halal foods and the ease of performing religious duties in Islamic countries provide Muslim tourists with a sense of security and peace of mind. Furthermore, many Islamic countries are keen on promoting cultural tourism, which respects Islamic culture and leverages its spiritual assets.
Tourists who respect Islamic etiquette, observe Islamic Sharia laws on hijab, and abstain from alcoholic beverages and extramarital relationships are preferred.
Political events also influence Muslim tourist destinations. For instance, following the September 11 incident, the number of tourists from Qatar and Saudi Arabia traveling to Europe and the US decreased significantly, while visits to culturally similar countries like Malaysia increased.
The rise in income levels among Muslim communities has led to an increase in retail and recreational trips, prompting both Muslim and non-Muslim countries to develop the necessary infrastructure to attract more Muslim tourists.
According to the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) report, the number of Muslim travelers is projected to reach 140 million in 2023 and 160 million in 2024.
The average income of the 57-member Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) is on the rise, and more second- and third-generation Muslims are entering the labor market in Western Europe and North America.
About half a century ago, foreign travel by Muslims was largely limited to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage purposes. Other trips were deemed wasteful. However, a new generation of Muslims, eager to explore the world and experience foreign trips without compromising their religious values, is emerging.
Iran, with its rich history, 26 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and abundant halal amenities, is a prime candidate for one of the world’s best tourist destinations. The country boasts a diverse landscape and a tourism industry teeming with recreational opportunities, ranging from hot mineral water showers in the northwest, hiking, and skiing in the Alborz mountains, architectural sight-seeing in the center, to beach holidays in the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea.
However, experts point to a lack of proper promotion and presentation of the country’s tourism facilities as a deterrent for potential tourists. Foreign visitors often express that their misconceptions, formed by negative media coverage of Iran, are dispelled after visiting the country. They are usually pleasantly surprised by the people, food, history, and culture of Iran, one of the world’s most dynamic and prolific centers in arts, architecture, and literature.
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