ACADEMICS OF CONTEMPORARY ISLAMIC STUDIES (ACIS)

BACHELOR OF HALAL INDUSTRY (HONS)

ISH605

(HALAL HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM)

CASE STUDY

HOMESTAY PROGRAMS AS CRUCIAL PRODUCT FOR MUSLIM-FRIENDLY

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

PREPARED FOR:

DR. ZULAIPA BINTI RUZULAN

PREPARED BY:

NAME STUDENT ID
NURAIN UZMA BINTI MOHD RUSELI 2023115125
SITI ZAHARAH BINTI KAMIL 2023115259
NUR NAJWA ASYILAH BINTI HELMI 2023164747
NUR ASHIQAH ELAHI BINTI MOHD AZIDIN 2023149505
NAJWA ASYILAH AISYAH BINTI ANDRI 2023164429
ZULKARNAEN

SEMESTER 5
SESSION 2024
 Table of Contents
Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... 1
I. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 1
II. BACKGROUND STUDY................................................................................................................ 3
III. RESEARCH QUESTION.............................................................................................................. 4
IV. METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................................................... 4
V. DISCUSSION AND CASE ANALYSIS ......................................................................................... 9
Homestay program as a solution for Muslim-friendly tourism development ............................. 9
Benefits of Homestay Program for Muslim Travellers ................................................................. 10
Impact of Homestay Program on Local Economy and Community ............................................. 11
Challenges And Considerations for Implementing Homestay Program.................................... 13
Cultural Differences and Sensitivities........................................................................................... 13
Safety and Security Concerns ....................................................................................................... 13
Legal and Regulatory Requirements ............................................................................................. 14
Best Practices for A Successful Homestay Program .................................................................... 14
Partnership With Local Community and Stakeholders ................................................................. 15
Training and Support for Host and Guest ..................................................................................... 15
Marketing and Promotion Strategies............................................................................................. 16
VI. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION .......................................................................... 16
REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................... 17
Abstract
Muslim-friendly travel destinations are becoming well-liked tourism destinations that provide
guests the chance to discover the distinctive facets of Islam. There is a chance for industry
participants to change the direction of tourist offers because of this increased interest. In this
sense, homestay programmes have the potential to develop into tourism destinations that are
welcoming to Muslims. But it's crucial to figure out how much homestay providers should
follow Shariah-compliant guidelines while offering Muslim-friendly locations. Therefore, the
aim of this research is to examine the factors that must be taken into account in order to
guarantee Shariah conformity. Different from homestay tourism in other regions, Malaysian
homestay tourism is a form of community-based tourism (CBT). A special type of tourism
offering that lets visitors experience the way of life and culture of the locals is the homestay
housing programme. Homestays aim to gather travellers that wanted to seek out real
experiences. The formation of thorough planning, the building of infrastructure, and the
marketing of Malaysia have all been part of the dedication to homestay growth thus far. Still,
the homestay industry may provide a substantial additional source of income for the locals and
foster an awareness of the need to preserve Malaysia's cultural heritage.

Keywords: homestay tourism, Malaysia, community-based, development.

I. INTRODUCTION
The term "homestay" describes a sort of lodging in which visitors or guests pay to stay in
private houses and interact with a host and its family members. The host and the guest will
reside on the property and share certain public spaces with each other during their stay. The
growth of homestays in rural regions has been going on for a while, and it's a big way that the
local population participates in tourism. Through a homestay scheme, travellers can stay with
a selected family, engage with them and experience their everyday lives, and get insight into
the customs and way of life of Malaysia's rural communities. A homestay scheme is not the
same as a place to stay. It emphasises lifestyle and experience more than economic and cultural
pursuits.

The utilisation of human and natural resources in homestay programmes to support rural
development has received attention recently. This approach has the potential to inspire the
tourist sector to create new, sustainable practices for many developing nations. Moreover,

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homestay programmes are becoming more and more popular because they offer a blend of
human, cultural, and environmental experiences, therefore integrating all facets of the rural
environment. Through rural homestays, visitors may get an intimate look into the everyday
routines of village dwellers and engage with the community in ways that are distinct from
traditional tourism experiences. However, there are regional variations in the idea of a
homestay.

Figure 1

Homestay programmes in Malaysia provide visitors with an opportunity to interact with the
local way of life and surroundings. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia
[MOTAC], homestay programmes for tourists in Malaysia are not the same as the global bed
and breakfast (B&B) model, which places visitors in chalets rather than with host families.
This service has been offered for a long time in European nations, where owners of well-known
vacation spots oversee these types of locations. In Malaysia, the majority of community-based
initiatives have incorporated the homestay experience.

Therefore, homestay tourism in Malaysia is a form of travel that incorporates most, if not all,
of the key elements of community-based tourism, such as environmental sustainability,
community involvement, equitable financial benefit distribution, community empowerment,
raising living standards, and community management, control, and ownership of tourism
projects.

The government of Malaysia has been working hard to encourage rural tourism, which has led
to an increase in homestay tourism. The primary feature that sets the Malaysian Homestay

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Programme apart from programmes in other nations is the option to stay with host families,
sometimes known as "adopted" families. Through dining, cooking, and engaging in a variety
of activities with their adoptive family, this component enables two groups with disparate
cultural backgrounds to work together, exchange knowledge, and benefit from one another.

Given that homestays may greatly increase positive awareness in the tourist sector, it is evident
that the introduction of homestay programmes is necessary in order to establish a destination
that is welcoming to Muslims. The current travel trend suggests that travellers are more likely
to choose a homestay programme that includes Muslim-friendly requirements, like
guaranteeing privacy and safety, offering suitable facilities and surroundings, and upholding
cleanliness and comfort, all of which are in line with Islamic principles. This is in line with
consumers' increasing desire for goods and services that respect Islamic law and satisfy the
prevailing trend of thoughtfulness. Consequently, it is imperative to define Shariah compliance
precisely for homestay programmes and to pinpoint the particular standards that designate them
as Muslim-friendly locations.

II. BACKGROUND STUDY

Every nation in the globe has begun to concentrate more on the growth of homestays, which is
noteworthy as they are thought to be a potentially useful product for marketing the nation and
encouraging community involvement in the tourist sector through rural tourism. Communities
have developed the Homestay product without having to invest a lot of money altering the
current infrastructure by making use of the natural resources, cultural assets, and historical sites
that are already present in the area. In addition to being considered as a means of assisting the
community in making ends meet, homestays also help the government achieve its goals of
eradicating poverty and providing employment possibilities for the local people. The two-
pronged purpose of the Homestay program reflects this:

1) Provide revenue for the locals and business owners in the rural region
2) Highlighting Malaysian culture in order to promote Malaysia as a travel destination

The Homestay initiative has been effective in offering travelers who want a different kind of
vacation than what is included in travel packages, alternate lodging alternatives. This allows
them to select their preferred lodging and travel at their convenience. In actuality, the majority
of homestay hosts provide their extra room as lodging for visitors or guests to stay at their home
in exchange for a little fee or package. To get support and assistance from the government and

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other authorities in Malaysia, a homestay operator must fulfill the requirements established by
the Malaysian Homestay Association.

The tourism business has gained from the quick growth of the homestay program as a new
product, and the participants have also profited financially. Furthermore, homestay has been
recognized as a business with a distinct attraction that is bundled with regional customs,
cultural features, and natural assets. Furthermore, there has been a strong demand from both
domestic and foreign travelers for the program, which is categorized as a rural tourism offering.
As a result, it has greatly improved the local economies of the towns participating in the specific
Homestay settings and contributed to the growth of rural villages.

III. RESEARCH QUESTION

1. Do you aware about homestay program?
2. If yes, state how did you know or aware about homestay program.
3. Do you think all homestay program are shariah compliant?
4. On a scale 1 to 5, how important do you believe homestay programs are in promoting
Muslim-friendly tourism development?
5. To what degree do you perceive homestay programs as a means to foster intercultural
understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim hosts and guests?
6. How do you think the implementation of homestay programs enhances the overall
experience for Muslim travellers seeking halal-friendly accommodations?
7. From your perspective, what are the criteria that need to be considered in the homestay
program to ensure that it is shariah compliant?
8. What are the best practices for a successful Muslim-friendly homestay program?

IV. METHODOLOGY
In this case study, we have agreed to do a quantitative method by making a Google form and
distributing it to the respondents, mostly a UiTM Shah Alam student. Good research methods
can contribute towards the acquisition of good research results. It helps researchers obtain data
for the study.

In the Google form, we have provided 8 questions and optional answers to make it easier for
our respondents to answer the given question. This excludes 4 other questions that required the
respondents to fill in their name, student ID, faculty, and semester.

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 Figure 2

56.5% of the respondents are aware of the homestay program, while 43.5% are not aware of it,
based on the answer to the first question.

Figure 3

Next, based on Figure 3, 15.4% know about homestay programs through social media, while
another 7.7% are mostly from family, friends, etc.

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 Figure 4

On the third question, 60.9% of the respondents chose scale 3, while 21.7% chose scale 4, 13%
scale 2, and 4.3% scale 5. From the results, it can be determined that most homestay programs
in Malaysia are Shariah-compliant.

Figure 5

Upon reviewing the responses, it was found that 39.1% of the participants selected scale 5,
while 34.8% chose scale 4, 17.4% opted for scale 3, and 8.7% selected scale 2. It is evident
from the results that a majority of the respondents believe that homestay programs play a
significant role in promoting Muslim-friendly tourism development.

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 Figure 6

In Figure 6, the data reveals that 60.9% of the respondents favoured scale 4, while 26.1%
selected scale 3, 8.7% chose scale 5, and 4.3% opted for scale 2. These statistics suggest that a
significant portion of the respondents hold the belief that homestay programs play a crucial
role in promoting intercultural understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim hosts and
guests.

Figure 7

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Starting from question 6, the respondents were asked to give their opinion regarding enhancing
the overall experience for Muslim travelers seeking halal-friendly accommodations. Figure 7
shows the answers from our respondents, and one of them stated that “Host families can often
accommodate specific dietary requirements, including halal meals, ensuring that Muslim
travelers have access to suitable food options that align with their religious beliefs.” This is
one of the ways to show respect toward others’ beliefs and religions.

Figure 8

As per the data in Figure 8, respondents were questioned about the criteria necessary to deem
homestay programs as shariah-compliant. One of the respondents stated that the criterion
includes "Not mixing with non-halal things." This statement holds validity.

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 Figure 9

In Figure 9, the respondents were asked to state their ideas regarding the best practices for a
successful Muslim-friendly homestay program. One of them answered, “Cultural sensitivity:
Train homestay hosts on Muslim customs, etiquette, and dietary restrictions to ensure a
culturally sensitive experience.” Training of the hosts regarding one custom is essential in
maintaining a positive impression.

The research methodology utilized serves to bolster the validity of the study's findings,
mitigating any potential concerns regarding their credibility.

V. DISCUSSION AND CASE ANALYSIS

Homestay program as a solution for Muslim-friendly tourism development

Through the provision of lodgings that honour and specifically address the needs of Muslim
visitors, homestay programs present a novel approach to the growth of tourism that is
favourable to Muslims. These initiatives make sure that halal food, special places for prayer,
and details about nearby mosques are available so that visitors can easily continue with their
religious customs. Because of this degree of cultural and religious awareness, homestays are a
handy and pleasant choice for Muslim travellers, relieving them of the burden of locating
appropriate accommodations and improving their trip experience as a whole.

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In addition to offering standard conveniences, homestays offer a unique, private setting that
encourages sincere relationships between visitors and local hosts. Through this engagement,
Muslim tourists can learn more about the customs and culture of the area, which fosters a sense
of respect and belonging. In order to make sure that visitors have access to halal food
alternatives, suitable recreational activities, and cultural experiences that are consistent with
their values, hosts can provide personalized recommendations and guidance. This
individualized approach fosters a sense of community and long-lasting relationships in addition
to improving the trip experience.

Eventually, homestay initiatives foster mutual understanding and cultural exchange between
hosts and guests. Muslim visitors can share their own culture and religious customs with the
locals while fully immersing themselves in the local way of life, encouraging better respect and
awareness of other cultures. This conversation promotes tolerance and inclusivity throughout
the world community by dispelling prejudices. The chance to engage with a varied range of
guests makes the local hosts feel proud of their own history and promotes the upholding of
cultural customs. This reciprocal advantage highlights how homestays contribute to a more
peaceful and courteous society, which makes them an important part of the development of
Muslim-friendly travel destinations.
Benefits of Homestay Program for Muslim Travellers

Muslim visitors can experience a homestay program where their cultural and religious customs
are honoured and accommodated. The availability of halal cuisine, which is essential for a
Muslim-friendly vacation experience, is one of the main advantages. For Muslim tourists,
homestays offer convenience and peace of mind as they can guarantee that all meals comply
with Islamic dietary restrictions, unlike conventional hotels where halal food selections may
be restricted or non-existent. The consideration given to dietary requirements is one of the main
reasons Muslim travellers choose homestays over other accommodations.

Homestay programs usually provide amenities that facilitate religious activities, like specific
prayer places and information about nearby mosques prayers time, and halal meals. This degree
of care guarantees that Muslim tourists will not experience any difficulties fulfilling their daily
religious duties, such as the five daily prayers. To further improve the visitors' religious
experience and comfort, certain homestays may additionally offer prayer mats, Qibla direction
indicators, and copies of the Quran.

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In addition, homestays provide a more private and customized setting than conventional hotels.
Direct communication between guests and hosts is possible, as they frequently possess
extensive knowledge of the regional customs and culture. Through this encounter, Muslim
tourists can learn more about the customs and way of life in the area, strengthening their sense
of kinship and understanding. Additionally, hosts can make customized recommendations for
halal restaurants, cultural events, and local sites, guaranteeing that visitors have a fulfilling and
interesting stay.

Muslim visitors can interact more fully with the local population by taking advantage of the
homestay experience, which also promotes cultural immersion. Travellers can maintain their
religious views while taking part in everyday activities, regional festivals, and customs by
staying with a local family. This immersive event promotes respect and understanding between
participants by offering a singular chance to discover and enjoy the local way of life. This
genuine cultural interaction is a significant part of the trip experience for a lot of Muslims.

Furthermore, homestay initiatives frequently highlight responsible and sustainable travel.

Muslim tourists directly boost the local economy and small businesses by lodging with local
families. This type of tourism promotes social and economic fairness and is consistent with
Islamic values of moral travel that is directed towards the community. Muslim travelers' travel
experiences can be made more meaningful and fulfilling when they are aware that the decisions
they make about where to go will benefit the local community.

Last but not least, Muslim visitors' comfort and happiness can be greatly increased by the
individual care and hospitality provided by homestay hosts. In contrast to the impersonal vibe
of big hotels, homestays provide a pleasant, friendly atmosphere that makes visitors feel at
home. In order to create a personalized experience that meets each guest's demands, hosts are
frequently willing to make modifications to suit specific requirements and preferences. This
degree of individualized care guarantees that Muslim tourists have a more pleasurable and
memorable trip by making them feel appreciated and respected.
Impact of Homestay Program on Local Economy and Community

By retaining a sizable amount of tourism earnings locally, the adoption of homestay programs
can greatly strengthen the local economy. The money visitors spend on lodging, meals, and
other services while staying with local families directly helps the hosts and the communities
around them. This immediate financial impact fosters a more equitable and sustainable

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economic environment by supporting local small companies and families. Furthermore, it
fosters the expansion of supplementary services like tour operators, conveyance companies,
and cultural craftsmen, so augmenting economic prospects.

Additionally, homestay programs encourage mutual understanding and cultural interchange

between visitors and the local population. Travelers can have a more profound understanding
of the customs, values, and way of life of the host community by lodging with local families.
Greater tolerance and understanding between other cultures are fostered by this encounter,
which helps dispel misconceptions and dissolve barriers between them. Sharing customs and
culture with guests can boost the host community's sense of identity and promote the
preservation of its cultural legacy.

Homestay programs have the potential to spark community-driven development projects.

Locals take an active role in the tourist sector and develop a sense of accountability and
ownership for the program's success. Both locals and visitors may profit from improvements
in the area's infrastructure and services, which could include better roads, better sanitary
conditions, and faster internet access. The creation of cultural workshops, traditional crafts,
and local events that draw more visitors and bring in more money are examples of community-
driven projects.

Furthermore, by giving locals new chances and skills, homestay programs can empower them.
To properly serve foreign visitors, hosts frequently need to improve their language,
intercultural, and hospitality abilities. These abilities may pay off in the long run-in terms of
one's professional and personal growth, creating new job and business opportunities.
Participating in tourism can also promote a feeling of camaraderie and collaboration among the
community as locals collaborate to improve the allure and durability of their destination.

The good social effects of homestay programs serve as an additional to their financial
advantages. Residents get more tolerant and open-minded as they engage with visitors from
various backgrounds, creating a more welcoming neighbourhood. A higher sense of mutual
support and communal unity may result from this social integration. Furthermore, homestay
programs' financial profits can be used to fund community initiatives like parks, schools, and
hospitals, which would enhance the general standard of living for locals.

Finally, homestay initiatives support eco-friendly travel strategies that benefit society and the
environment. These initiatives lessen the detrimental effects of tourism by promoting eco-

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friendly travel practices include cutting back on waste, using less water, and honouring local
traditions. Sustainable tourism methods guarantee the preservation of the destination's natural
and cultural resources for upcoming generations. Homestay programs are a realistic and ethical
choice for tourist growth because they align with the concepts of environmental and social
sustainability, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared responsibly and equitably.

Challenges And Considerations for Implementing Homestay Program

There are many challenges in the case of implementing homestay programs. This is because
there are various madhabs and practice levels have varied ideas about what defines a "halal"
accommodation. Additionally, the needs of Muslim and non-Muslim visitors differ, and
evaluating halal components is challenging because products are always changing. Although
there are many unique benefits related to the homestay program, there are also many challenges
that can be found for people involved in this program. (Nur Athirah Abd Razak, 2019)

Cultural Differences and Sensitivities

Some of the challenges in the implementation of homestay program is cultural differences and
sensitivities. In this case, expectations, traditions, and cultural norms may differ between the
host and the guest. Therefore, different cultures will result in difference in their behaviour as
they have difference way of thinking and norms depending on their society. This difference
might cause miscommunication or discomfort between the host and the guest. Other than that,
communication might be difficult if the host and the guest don't speak the same language or
speak it poorly. This may result in miscommunication or make it harder to communicate needs
and preferences. In result, any dissatisfaction or misinterpretation will be kept to themselves
which will lead to strained relationships between the host and the guest. (Mariam Jamaludin,
2012 ) In the case of Muslims visitor and non-Muslim host, hosts must to be aware of cultural
differences and Islam-related sensitivities, such as steering clear of topics or actions that might
offend or treat Muslim visitors disrespectfully. For example, as Muslims forbidden from eating
pig-derived food and alcohol, host should refrain from providing these things to their Muslim
visitors.

Safety and Security Concerns

Other than that, safety and security concerns are also included in the challenges of
implementing homestay program. This normal especially when welcoming strangers into their
homes or staying in new places, homeowners and visitors may worry about their safety and
security. When sharing living spaces, privacy problems may arise for both hosts and guests.

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Limited personal space could make guests uncomfortable, and hosts might worry about
protecting their own privacy and boundaries. Creating trust and putting the appropriate
precautions measures are necessary to guarantee the safety of both parties. Besides that, it
might be difficult to set and maintain proper boundaries between hosts and visitors, especially
when living in close quarters. Therefore, it is crucial that both parties must respect each other's
personal space, privacy, and cultural customs. Next, as homestay programs often held in
villages, there are cases where the restroom was located outside of the residence. (Mariam
Jamaludin, 2012 ) Therefore, this makes it difficult for the guest to go to the restroom especially
when the house is surrounded by forest. It is feared that there may be dangerous animals such
as snakes or scorpions coming in the restroom which might threaten the safety of the visitors.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Lastly, challenges in terms of legal and regulatory requirements. The implementation of a
homestay program might involve different legal and regulatory requirements based on the area
along with specific circumstances. This happens especially abroad, because there are areas that
have their own laws. For example, in certain places, there might be zoning restrictions or
legislation which charges to short-term rentals and homestays. In this case, for homestay
programs to be operated lawfully, hosts may need to get licenses or permissions from local
authorities. This can involve qualifications in hotel management, food handling, or other
related fields. As a result, this may cause those who want to try the homestay program to cancel
their intention to try because of the payment charges. Other than that, hosts might have to
collect and pay in occupancy taxes or other municipal charges on the income from the homestay
accommodations. On the other hand, as hosts needs to go through many processes, they might
find it troublesome which will cause in lack of hosts to run the homestay program. This is
different with the regulations in Malaysia, in which the Malaysian Homestay Registration
Guidelines are not required, but they are used as guidance by those under the Malaysian
Homestay Program. But for the registered homestays, they are registered under the Malaysian
Homestay Program (MOTAC) and other government agencies (MOA and MRRD/regional
development authority). (Rohaslinda Ramele Ramli, 2020 )

Best Practices for A Successful Homestay Program

Homestay programs can play a pivotal role in developing Muslim-friendly tourism by offering
culturally sensitive and enriching experiences. Here are some best practices for creating a
successful homestay program that caters to Muslim tourists:

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Partnership With Local Community and Stakeholders
A successful homestay program, particularly one aimed at Muslim-friendly tourism, hinges on
robust partnerships with the local community and stakeholders. These collaborations ensure
cultural sensitivity, economic benefit, and sustainable development. Best practices to foster
such partnerships are by emphasizing the importance of community engagement, local business
support, and sustainable tourism practices.

A successful homestay program lies in strong ties with local community leaders. Engaging
with the local community leaders through regular meetings provides a platform to discuss the
program’s objectives, ensuring alignment with community goals. Establishing advisory
committees, comprising religious leaders, business owners, and community representatives,
can offer valuable insights and guidance, helping to tailor the program to local needs and
sensitivities.

For homestay programs targeting Muslim tourists, collaboration with local mosques and
Islamic centres is crucial. These institutions can assist in providing cultural sensitivity training
for hosts, ensuring they understand and respect Islamic customs and practices. Additionally,
they can offer tourists valuable information about local prayer facilities, prayer times, and
religious events. Enhancing the guests’ spiritual experience.

Training and Support for Host and Guest

Comprehensive orientation programs for hosts and guests lay the foundation for a successful
homestay experience. Detailed training sessions for hosts should cover cultural sensitivity,
communication skills, and conflict resolution. Providing hosts with in-depth information about
the backgrounds and expectations of their guests enables them to prepare adequately and create
a welcoming environment.

Cultural sensitivity guidelines are essential in fostering respect and preventing

misunderstandings. Hosts and guests who are educated regarding cultural differences and
norms can ensure that both parties can accommodate each other needs appropriately. Providing
resources on cultural customs, dietary restrictions, and religious practices is essential for
creating a harmonious living environment.

Community buildings are important in supporting hosts and guests. Organizing social events
and activities encourages interaction and builds a sense of community. Facilitating online
forums where participants can share their experiences and support each other can also be highly

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beneficial. Training on conflict resolution ensures that both hosts and guests are equipped to
handle any disputes that may arise.

Marketing and Promotion Strategies

A strong online presence is important in ensuring the success of the homestay program. An
informative and engaging website should provide detailed information about the program,
including hosts and guest feedback. Utilizing all social media platforms to share stories, photos,
and updates about the program engages potential participants and the broader community.

Offering special promotions and discounts can attract new guests and encourage repeat
participation. Promoting seasonal events or cultural festivals can entice guests to experience
unique local traditions, adding to the appeal of the homestay program.

VI. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Muslim-friendly tourism development is essential for creating inclusive travel experiences that
cater to the diverse needs of global travellers. By prioritizing the development of Muslim-
friendly tourism, destinations can attract a broader audience, ensuring that all visitors feel
welcome and respected. This approach not only enhances the travel experience for Muslim
tourists but also promotes a more harmonious and understanding global community. As the
tourism industry continues to evolve, embracing diversity and inclusivity will be key to
sustainable growth and success. Ultimately, the integration of Muslim-friendly practices within
the tourism sector can lead to richer cultural exchanges, stronger economic benefits, and a more
interconnected world.

In addition, in order to promoting the homestay program, we should include targeted

marketing strategies to reach potential Muslim travelers, highlighting the unique benefits and
cultural experiences offered by homestays. Collaborations with travel agencies and online
platforms can help increase visibility and accessibility. Training programs for hosts on
cultural sensitivity and halal practices can ensure that guests feel comfortable and respected.
Additionally, creating a certification system for Muslim-friendly homestays can build trust
and credibility among travelers. Government support and incentives for homestay operators
can further encourage the growth of this sector. By addressing these areas, the homestay
program can become a cornerstone of Muslim-friendly tourism, fostering greater cultural
exchange and economic development.

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REFERENCES
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