Uncertain location on the international tourist map
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A. S. Shakiry
Islamic Tourism magazine, May/June 2004
What's happening with Islamic tourism? Where exactly is it on the international tourist map? This question has been bothering me in recent days and I keep trying to find an answer. The last three years have been years of hard work: Ten issues of Islamic Tourism magazine have been published, and a website, which is updated weekly with the latest news, has been established, we have attended international tourism exhibitions in Europe, Arab and Islamic countries, distributed the magazine, met influential personalities in the tourism sector, invested heavily in the latest computer technology, and enlisted the efforts of many talented English and Arab journalists.
But we still have to ask the same question: What's happening with Islamic tourism?
Where is its place on the world map of tourism? Is every person in charge of tourism aware of the concept and is it seen as a viable project worthy of serious thought?
What is meant by this question? Is there a place in the media world for an Islamic Tourism magazine and website? Or should it be developing in tandem with tourism world-wide?
The first question is easy to answer. The magazine and its website speak for themselves. They are developing and evolving every day, be it through the home page on the web site, the country profiles or the varied, in-depth articles in the magazine. Our representatives have participated in most international tourist events and conferences and provided detailed reports for our readers. Islamic Tourism, as a magazine and a website, has become well known in Arab, Islamic and international circles. We are confident about our magazine and its future.
The problem is with the other part of the question. The presence of Islamic Tourism at international tourism events is a major achievement, considering the nature of world tourism, the international security situation and the media's preoccupation in equating Islam with terrorism. Thousands of questions have now been raised about Islamic Tourism and the new dimensions it has opened at the upper end of the travel market with new destinations sought after by the movers and shakers in the industry who are working to develop and expand their businesses.
The question is not related to the magazine but to the project of Islamic Tourism that is capable of competing in a world market saturated with progammes and projects. It is a great shame that the promoters of Islamic Tourism are largely absent from the international arena and hardly ever show up at important exhibitions held in major capitals throughout the world on a regular basis. These exhibitions are no strangers to weird and wonderful ventures - some without any ethical or religious basis.
Islamic Tourism caters to the needs of millions of Muslims around the globe performing Haj or Umrah and visiting the holy cities of Mecca and Medina and the holy shrines in Iraq, including Najaf and Kerbala. Yet it is lagging behind international tourism with no clear programmes or promotion through the internet or other media.
It has to move from individual endeavours to joint, co-ordinated activities. It is imperative for people working in the Islamic Tourism sector to consider and answer the following questions:
1. Where is its place on the world map of tourism?
2. Where are the programmes and organised products of Islamic Tourism that respond to the needs of millions of Muslims world wide, to be promoted in tourist exhibitions and then carried over to tourism companies and travel agents?
3. Where are the tourism products that follow from our traditions, beliefs and customs?
4. Where are the companies, travel agents and organisers of Haj, Umrah and tours of the holy shrines world wide? Why aren't they advertising their tours, participating in international exhibitions and promoting their companies through the media?
5. Why can’t ministers of tourism and those in positions of authority play an active role in helping those who are working for the promotion of Islamic Tourism and various programmes in international exhibitions instead of turning up with replicas of existing programmes.
Travel agents in Western and developed countries have numerous brochures for “package dealsâ€Â. The trip is normally organised over several days or weeks, and the tourist knows exactly what he is going to get and whether the programme will meet his needs. These programmes are presented to the public in beautiful leaflets and brochures distributed freely in travel agencies and at international exhibitions.
Compare all this with what we find in the Muslim world. Islamic Tourism agencies present their products badly and do not care about local and international promotion. They do not provide a strict timetable for their tours or, if they do, it is not adhered to. There are Haj and Umrah agencies but they work on a small scale, as individuals. Their activities not well organised and limited in their cultural and religious benefits.
Therefore it is necessary to provide Islamic Tourism programmes together with informed guides who know the geography and history of tourist sites and who are capable of communicating in foreign languages. These programmes should be well advertised through the internet and at international exhibitions.
We are confident that if the concerned parties are not going to promote Islamic Tourism in an organised and developed way, the international companies will step in and take advantage of a lucrative market. International banks are already providing Islamic banking facilities and large companies with several departments work in the field of marketing Halal meat and other Islamic products, especially developed for a specialist market.
You may ask how do we proceed in the present climate when terrorism is universally condemned and the media continues to highlight atrocities and portray Muslims and Islam as purveyors of terrorism. The terrorists try to paralyse everyday life, but life goes on despite every thing. Governments should take all possible measures to prevent suicide attacks like those in Kerbala during Ashura, and in Spain.
But these measures should not paralyse travel and tourism between countries, especially neighbours. Countries should not prevent their citizens from visiting certain states which are perceived as hostile and they should not tighten visa requirements and impose restrictions that limit travel between countries with mutual interests, including tourism.
Governments have to follow the examples of their citiziens who have carried on with their lives regardless of the dangers and calamities. They have to refrain from imposing harsh rules, and abrogate unnecessary restrictions which may have already been imposed, to allow nations to live together despite the actions of outlaws from inside or outside. Lets encourage governments to compete in attracting the highest number of visitors.
Finally in response to the questions raised at the beginning of this article, we would like to stress that Islamic Tourism magazine and its website, are ready and able to provide support in formulating programmes for Islamic Tourism along the lines discussed in this article. So get in touch with us about your products and programmes and exhibiting them in the international market through international exhibitions, tourist agencies and travel agents throughout the globe.
May Allah guide us to the best of deeds.
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The articles
which appeared in Islamic Tourism magazine
Camley Street Nature Park: Wilderness in the heart of London Issue 73 Impressive Middle Eastern stands at World Travel Market Issue 73 Three anniversaries for London’s Mesopotamian story telling group Issue 73 London’s lesser known parks ideal for autumn walks Issue 72 Signs, Symbols Secrets: London’s Science Museum sheds light on alchemy Issue 72 Enduring Middle East: Scottish artist follows in the footsteps of Orientalist painter David Roberts Issue 71 An Interview with Mr. Ben Harper, Director of Sales & Marketing for Go Native Apartments in London Issue 71 Ramadhan in London Issue 71 Leptis Magna fascinates famous war photographer Issue 70 Middle Eastern states showcase heritage at London Book Fair Issue 70 Education, Knowledge, Networking and Entertainment at MPI event, the EMEC Issue 68 World Hajj & Umrah Convention, 11-12 February 2012, British Museum, London–UK Issue 68 Hyde Park’s Winter WonderlandEnchanting fairground for the festive season Issue 67 Rye: a quaint historic town in East Sussex Issue 67 Arab Spring Countries At World Travel Market Optimistic About Tourism Issue 66 Exciting Horizons From New Exhibitors At WTM Issue 66 London’s Shubbak Festival: Penetrating flash of insight into Arab culture Issue 65 Heracles to Alexander the Great: Treasures from the Royal Capital of Macedon Issue 65 British Museum's Afghan exhibition extended due to popular demand Issue 63 Hadrian’s WallA walk through history in Britain’s idyllic country side Issue 63 British Museum Showcases Omani Jewellery Issue 62 Hyde Park’s Winter WonderlandBigger And Better Every Year Issue 60 Middle East & North Africa Travel Association (MENATA) launched at World Travel Market Issue 59 Windsor: The Largest Inhabited Castle In The World Issue 59 Aladin's Cave Re-discovered: London's Silver Vaults Issue 59 World Cup Puts Africa Ahead Of The Tourism Game Issue 59 London's Garden MuseumOasis Of Tranquillity In A Majestic Church Building Issue 58 Pitzhanger Gallery & HouseCulture At Its Best In West London Issue 58 British Library Showcases Magnificent Maps Issue 57 Ramadan In London: Muslims And Non Muslims Celebrate Spirituality And Diversity Issue 56 West WycombeOverground Walks, Underground Caves Issue 56 Dickens HouseInsight Into The Life Of A Great Novelist Issue 56 Holland ParkEntertainment In Tranquil Surroundings Issue 56 Chatham and Gillingham: Britain›s Historic Ports Issue 55 London International Fine Art Fair: Beauty & Elegance Issue 55 Ashridge EstateFocal Point of Walks in the Chilterns Countryside Issue 54 Fortnum & Mason Showcases British Crafts Issue 54 Wales offers middle east travellers family fun adventures Issue 54 London Canal MuseumThe Capital's Waterways Then And Now Issue 53 London EyeA Bird's Eye View Of An Amazing City Issue 53 British Museum Showcases Muslim World's Extraordinary Legacy Issue 52 Historic Baths Draw Visitors To English Country Town Issue 51 First Nations Contribution To Winter Olympics Showcased By Canadian High Commission in London Issue 51 British Museum Introduces Native North American Indian Rituals Issue 51 Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland: an ideal day out for the family Issue 50 Chasing MirrorsLondons Arabs Exhibit Work At National Portrait Gallery Issue 50 Stratford-upon-Avon thrives on Shakespeare's legacy Issue 49 MoctezumaMyth Comes To Life In British Museum's Aztec Exhibition Issue 49 Magic of Arab calligraphy attracts students from four continents Issue 49 Hampton CourtA great day out at a wonderful palace with magnificent gardens Issue 48 AfricaTremendous potential for the development of tourism Issue 48 Impressive middle eastern stands at world travel market Issue 48 SouthallLondon's Little India Issue 47 Warwick CastleBringing the past to life Issue 46 London University Showcases Work of Kazakh Craftswomen Issue 46 Southend-on-Sealegendary pier, impressive fair grounds Issue 46 AveburyA mysterious present from the past Issue 45 Britain’s Premier Holiday Location Now Easier to See Issue 44 HampsteadLanes, Alleyways, Historic Houses, Quaint Boutiques Issue 44 StonehengeMagnificent, Magical And Mysterious Issue 44 ZipangMesopotamian story-tellers bring ancient tales to life in London Issue 44 Arabic Translation of Obama's biography announced at London book fair Issue 42 British & Ireland Issue 41 Leigh-on-Sea (UK)An Upper Class Fishing Village Where Heritage Is Everything Issue 38 The Lure of the EastBritish Orientalist Painting Issue 36 The New ForestAn Experience Of Peaceful English Life Issue 35 Adventure Travel ShowIntroducing Challenging Destinations Issue 34 HastingsThe 1066 Country Issue 33 African States Eager To Promote Islamic Sites Issue 33 China`s Terracotta Army Exhibitionat the British Museum Issue 32 Luxury Travel Fair Issue 31 AdvertITW - Advertise in ITW Issue 30 SacredThe British Library’s Visual Feast Of Holy Texts Issue 30 AdvertITW - Advertise in ITW Issue 30 BTTFBritish travel trade fair - 2007 Issue 29 AdvertArabian Travel Market 2007 Issue 28 DestinationsExcellent introduction to unique attractions Issue 28 SouthamptonHistory Comes Alive In The Old Town Issue 27 WTM 2006Emphasis on the link between sport and tourism Issue 27 Spain Lives In PueblaMexico’s City Of Angels Issue 27 HerefordRural England At Its Best Issue 26 Ramadan In BritainSpiritual Havens In A Secular Society Issue 26 Buckingham PalaceWhere the Queen lives and works Issue 25 British Travel Awards 2006Who are the best companies in the travel industry? Issue 25 Activities of the arab tourism organisation Issue 24 AdvertIslam Expo Issue 24 1001 InventionsEnlightened Tribute To Muslim Discoveries Issue 23 Britain Hosts Festival of Muslim Cultures Issue 22 London's International Travel ShowsAttract Muslim Countries Issue 22 World Travel MarketArab and Muslim presence grows from strength to strength Issue 21 GreenwichWhere time began Issue 20 Forgotten EmpireThe british museum in london is hosting a magnificent ... Issue 20 AdvertIT Noor Issue 20 TrafalgarThe decisive battle reinvented by tourism Issue 18 DestinationsNewcomers set up impressive stands Issue 17 CardiffFrom the Industrial Revolution to Yemeni Mosques Issue 17 The Muslim WorldAn ideal adventure travel destination Issue 16 HajThe most sacred journey on earth Issue 15 World Travel MarketArabs optimistic despite Middle East's negative image Issue 15 The Muslims in LondonStriving for self-sufficiency without isolation Issue 14 Britain embracedIslamic culture before immigrants arrived Issue 13 Awards to Islamic TourismInspire confidence Issue 13 The Rise of Islamic TourismInternational conference discusses effect of 9/11 ... Issue 13 British Travel Trade FairBosses predict 'best-ever' ... Issue 11 Nine eleven sep asideMuslim countries are popular with tourists Issue 10 The arab and muslim worldsTremendous potential for the development … Issue 10 The ThamesLondon's lifeline, England's pride Issue 8 EdinburghThe Muslim community of Edinburgh and their central mosque Issue 6 WTMWorld Travel Market - London Issue 5 LondonWorld Travel Market 2001 Issue 2 |
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