Project final

MGT 2010 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF MANAGEMENT SECTION 7

May 6, 2015

TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Wira Saujana Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd -A FINAL SUBMISSION-

To:

• ASSOC. PROF. DR. SUHAIMI MHD SARIF

Done By:

• 1221881 AbdelFateh Ouail

• 1428187 Adi Adha Bin Zainal Abidin

• 1411577 Muhammad Syahmi Bin Zai Zani

• 1224425 Md Saidur Rahman

TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY !1

ABSTRACT


Abstract:

Tourism Industry:

Unlike many other industries, the tourism sector keeps on growing

generating positive effects on both income and job creation. According to

the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) the tourism industry

accounted for more than 9 per cent (9%) of world GDP in 2010. In

addition, the United Nations World Tourism Organization estimates that

international arrivals are expected to reach nearly 1.5 billion by the year

2020.

A number of major factors can explain this dramatic increase in

demand for tourism:

1. the process of globalization;

2. the development of mass transportation and motorization (and

the parallel decrease in cost of transportation due to improvements in

technology);

3. the rhythm of increase of world GDP as well as the increase of

income to be allocated to travels;

4. the introduction of new ICT applications in the work of public

and private stakeholders in the tourism sector;

5. the general improvement of security and rights for tourists.

Every and each of the above mentioned factors is significantly

contributing to shaping a different institutional landscape and economic

environment for a number of economic players such as Convention

Bureaus, Professional Conference Organizers, Destination Management


Companies, Airlines, Hotels, Conference Venues, Congress Centers,

Convention Centers, Exhibition Centers. Moreover, companies in the

tourism sector are confronted with increasing managerial challenges and

have to deal with a turbulent and fast changing environment.

Travel Agencies:

Travel Agency is a very essential sector in the Tourism Industry. It is

ensure its own survival and development but through the provision of

travel services to tourists and through its other business activities to the

tourism industry provide valuable tourist, thus boosting economic

development in the area tourism.

Compare to tourism transport, hotels and others tourism related

industry, travel agency is a keen developing business. There are less people

focus study in the management system of travel agency. Since the

development of the tourism industry in booming in recent years weather in

inbound tourism or outbound tourism, the study of the management of

travel agency is in changing.

This project is to focus on a case of a local travel agent (Saujana Wira

Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd.) and some of its most important management

issues. The major objectives is to highlight the issues, analyse them

evaluate and after that suggest a couple of solutions, and relate all that

with the Islamic perspectives.


COMPANY BACKGROUND


Company Background:

Saujana Wira Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. is a travel agency that handles

and provides Umrah Packages, Hajj Packages and other tour Muslim

packages.

It has been established on 4 July 1988 and registered under the

Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Finance, International Air Transport

Association (IATA), the Association of Tourism Agencies (MATTA) and

Bumiputra Malaysia Association of Travel Agencies (BUMITRA).

Saujana Wira Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. is also one of 18 companies

Hajj organiser (PJH) registered with the Hajj Fund Board. On the trust

and support given by the clients, they have managed to operate for more

than 25 years in the industry.

The main activity of the company is organising Umrah package, with

an average of 2,500 people each year. The company’s operations

management office located in Taman Medan Batu Caves, Selayang

supported by a total of 14 employees who are committed and competitive.

While operating in the Holy City (Mecca), the company is managed by

three staff from Malaysia and assisted by 4 Mutawwif Indonesia's

experience in handling the needs of Umrah activities.

The company deals on its Umrah packages with only Saudi Airlines

flight. It has also signed a contract with the international company, named

Muassasah us in Mecca which help them to arrange visa applications along


with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia and the Saudi

Arabian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

The company has also signed a contract with Deafah Nada hotel in

Mecca which is located only 180 meters to the Grand Mosque. In Medina,

it has consistently used Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick hotel which is the

largest hotel in Saudi Arabia and located just 20 meters from the Prophet's

(S.A.W) Mosque. Its commitment is to provide a close and comfortable

accommodation for the clients to enjoy their days in the Holy Cities.

Coinciding with the company's mission is to provide the best Umrah

and Hajj offers, they are selective in choosing a counselor umrah and hajj

to serve in the Holy City. Among the leaders who have worked with the

company: Fadhil Al-Habib Ali Zaenal Abidin, Naqjamuddin Syed

Othman Syed Habib, Ustaz Dr. Zaharuddin Abd Rahman, Ustazah Dr.

Fatma Zahra, Ustaz Dato Ismail Kamus, Ustad Hussain Yee, Mayikhi

Ustaz Omar (former Imam Masjid Besar Negeri Selangor), Ustazah

Hajjah kalthom Dato Hisham (Former Resource TH) and a few others.


MANAGERIAL ISSUES ANALYSIS & DISCUSSION

SOME SUGGESTIONS


Internet and travel agencies’ business

According to Dr Dimitrios Buhalis, “The internet bubble may have

burst, but the raise of online travel sales and distribution is remorseless,

and agents must adjust”. Internet, indeed, increasingly penetrated into all

spheres of life, possessing huge amount of information available to users

for numerous purposes, ranging from personal interests such as music,

movies, games, communication over social networks, through education,

professional formation and business purposes, to various financial

transactions. The number of so-called “e-consumers” who purchase

through internet the majority of necessary products (including tourism

products) is growing. Besides the facility of usage and accessibility to

everybody (that, of course, have access to internet), as an additional pro-

factor there is the factor price decreased for the fees that intermediaries

have to pay to producers. But on the other hand, agents have the

knowledge, the professionalism, the expertise and experience that the

greatest number of e-consumers does not possess, although some of them

are already quite experienced and successful in their personal on-line

transactions.

Growing offer of diverse tourism products and services via internet

entails the inevitable adjustment of intermediaries to new tendencies in

terms of creating development strategies, introducing innovations and

improving quality in order to maintain competitiveness on the tourism

market. Internet actually can be, and in most cases is, a tool for improving

the business of travel agencies. But, as far as it can improve the business, it

can also jeopardize it. Therefore, these companies must constantly acquire

new information and communication technologies, because they represent

the future not only of tourism industry, but also all other world industries.


Data Collection

In order to get a clearer insight and create a wider picture regarding

the impact of internet on business performances of travel agents and the

current trends on tourism market, we considered inevitable the contact

with travel agents themselves. For this purpose, we assembled a set of

questions that we believed could mostly contribute to formulation of

certain conclusions regarding the defined matter:

1. Is your organization recently facing any difficulties in terms of

lower operating performances and poorer demand of your services

due to expansion of internet? If so, what are the main consequences

for your business?

2. Do you think that intermediaries should adapt to new market

trends and in which ways? Which actions do you consider appropriate

in the fight against the “extinction” of travel agencies in the future?

3. Have you personally undertaken some measures and / or

introduced some innovations to your business? Are you familiar with

the performances of your direct competitors and the measures

assumed by them?

4. Which benefits do you propose to your clients, that direct

purchase via internet cannot offer?

5. Looking to the future, do you think that the tendency of direct

purchase through internet will intensify or, on the other hand, users

will afresh rely on help of intermediaries? What factors will affect the

aforementioned tendencies?

6. Do you think that future trends will have a greater impact on the

smaller travel agencies and the ones that don’t belong to a chain of

travel agencies, than it would be the case with market leaders?


One issue:

Saujana Wira Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. has experienced a few

negative consequences of the expansion of internet, some of which are a

notable decline in business performances and the loss of time in terms of

synchronising the prices with the competition’s pricing. However, the

manager of this agency stated that there are still many users who prefer

contact with intermediaries, either out of fear of personal allowances

through a website, or simply because they consider relying on agency to be

a safer and easier option.

As far as adjusting to new trends, there are several measures

emphasised by our interviewee in terms of overcoming the aforementioned

problems:

• Reservation system improvement;

• Reaching an agreement with producers to reduce the prices,

especially when customers require it personally;

• Personalised approach to each and every client.

Concrete measure that this agency has undertaken in order to improve

its business performance was the creation of website through which the

customers are now able to make their travel reservations without having to

leave home.

Some interlocutors justifie that there are numerous benefits that go

along with purchasing travel services through travel agencies. The main

advantage is that the agent can answer more questions and provide more

information to clients than it is the case with the internet. Also, in case of a

problem during the travel, the agency employee is willing and obliged to

help solve the determined problem.


Regarding the future perspective, some interviewees believe that the

trend of direct booking via internet will not intensify in the future,

claiming that it is a “current fashion” that will come to an end as all

fashions do. One bad customer’s experience when booking through the

internet very often can work as a disincentive for future bookings of this

type, out of fear to repeat the mistake. Depending on the product and the

customer demand, it is not impossible to find similar or even lower prices

within the offer of a travel agency than it is the case with the internet

bookings.

Our travel agency, although one of the market leaders, does not

consider itself differentiated from other agencies in terms of

inconveniences on the tourism market, justifying that the same problems

affect both large and small market participants. The only difference lies in

the negotiating power of Saujana Wira Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd., in terms

of arranging more favourable prices with producers.


Another issue:

Saujana Wira Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. is still considered as a travel

agency of smaller dimension, which has felt numerous negative effects

caused by the expansion of internet. Due to the new possibility of online

bookings at any time of the day and without leaving home, clients turn to

agents only in order to obtain information about the destinations,

subsequently making travel reservations directly through the internet, thus

only consuming the agents’ time for consultation, without bringing any

material profits. However, the interviewees do not believe in the complete

disappearance of travel agencies, but surely closure of many, especially

those lacking a strong market position, coupled with the fact that even the

leaders are facing the difficulties to maintain competitiveness.

So as to overcome the problem, agencies should focus on their greatest

advantage in comparison to the internet, which is the direct contact with

clients. In case of any eventual problems the agency, unlike the internet, is

obliged to provide assistance and support to clients, while otherwise the

client is personally responsible for eventual errors while booking.

Agent also believes that in the future the contact with intermediaries

will intensify, because there will always be sceptics, suspicious of giving

away their personal data and credit card information, those who do not

have a credit card, as well as those who have had negative experiences

when direct purchasing via internet, among others. In addition, he also

considers that the expansion of internet affects both large companies as

well as the smaller ones, whether they are leaders on the market or not.


One more issue:

Some interviewees within our agency believe that the expansion of

internet in the last ten years slightly unfavourably reflected on travel

agencies in Malaysia. Most agencies in the earlier period obtained a solid

profit, at least by selling airline tickets. The emergence of low-cost

companies whose capacities are sold exclusively through the internet, and

also the public airlines that have their own web sites, directly affect the

number of clients who use agencies’ services. When it comes to individual

hotel bookings, subtle changes are notable when compared to previous

period, while in the case of package tours (summer and winter holidays),

internet still doesn’t have a remarkable impact.

In order to survive on the tourism market, it is of crucial importance

to constantly work on clients’ trust, use the many advantages of internet,

offer the possibility of on-line bookings, gather the agencies on joint

projects and intensify promotional activities using billboards, web

presentations, participation in tourism fairs and direct communication with

clients. Last one allows the user to be informed at any time of all details

regarding the service that is offered to him. In case of lacking the desired,

expected and paid service, the client can always turn to the travel agent.

Internet, despite its advantages, cannot provide that.

Environment in which the travel agencies of Malaysia operate is only

recently under a more noteworthy influence of the internet. Elderly

population, which is currently the most important target group of travel

agencies, is still showing resistance when it comes to buying services

through the internet. When it comes to younger users, the internet is

increasingly becoming the primary means of any form of communication,

which will certainly manifest negatively on the operations of travel


agencies in the future. This especially applies to agencies of smaller

dimension and agencies with offices in small towns that do not possess their

own facilities, nor have the means for their own lease. Unlike them, tour

operators in most cases have their own facilities and greater financial

means, thanks to what the future trends will have lesser impact on their

status and operations.

The interviewees also consider that resorting to intermediaries when

organising the trip even evidenced growth in recent years. The same

applies to the number of travel agencies and tour operators. Additionally,

they believes that travel agencies, due to their professional and specialised

services of high security, reliability and practicality, will never disappear.

Agencies “follow” the client during the entire process of planning and

conducting the trip, moreover offering numerous payment conveniences.

Apart from that, there is still quite a difference between the

intermediaries and the internet in terms of products that are being offered.

Internet offers only single products and services, while travel agencies offer

organised, complex and more personal travel packages. In this respect, the

online offer cannot measure up with the travel agencies’. However, despite

the belief that internet doesn’t represent a significant threat to the travel

agencies’ business, it is still of crucial importance to continuously adjust to

market trends, consumer demands, destinations, new products and

technologies, as well as the importance of the continuous improvement of

service quality.

Regarding the future perspectives of the agencies’ operation

performances, some interlocutor believes that the users will re-prefer the

contact with travel agents out of the above mentioned reasons. The


reduction of clientele could rather be explained as a consequence of the

economic crisis, than the expansion of internet.


CONCLUSION


Based on the conducted interviews, the first notable thing is the variety

of opinions regarding the determined issue. Representatives of those three

shown issues stated to feel no significant changes in the number of clients,

and even if it is the case, the interviewees believe the main reason for that

is not the expansion of internet, but the current economic crisis. They also

declare to notice diminution of number of clients and believe it to be

partially a result of the expansion of internet, among other factors.

As for the necessity for adaptation to current trends, it is very clear

that it is necessary to always monitor the trends on the tourism market,

constantly innovate and improve business performances. In this regard, our

agency asserted a set of measures such as creation of personal websites in

order to enable online bookings for the clients, working on augmentation

of customers’ confidence by providing professional and personalised

services, as well as the participation in tourism fairs and other exhibitions

related to tourism.

Consequently, we have pointed out the numerous benefits that travel

agents provide to their customers when compared to the internet. First of

these is “being there” for the client throughout the whole process – from

planning the trip, staying at the touristic destination, up to arrival to the

place of residence, instilling the confidence and security in case of

unpleasant events. In addition, by buying a trip through travel agency, the

client receives specialised and personalised service that cannot be

compared with the individual and unorganised offer through internet sites.


With the realisation of this research, we obtained answers to specific

questions about the impact of internet on travel agencies’ business, the

advantages and disadvantages of both types of planning and realisation of

the tourist trips, and various opinions regarding the future of

intermediaries among other findings, having as a base the actual

statements and opinions of experts. Travel agencies are indispensable in

many aspects, and we believe that in the foreseeable future they are not

threatened by extinction and that they cannot be fully replaced by the

internet which is unable to offer a physical presence, security, reliability,

commitment and high degree of specialisation owned by travel agents. In

addition, internet can also work as a tool for improvement of business

performances, not only as a threat. Travel agents can (and many already

did) create a personal web site with their tourism offers, identical to those

created by the producers of tourism products and services, and thus unite

their advantages with advantages of the internet.


ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES


Siyaahah (travel and/or tourism) may mean many things, but in

modern usage it is limited to a few meanings, which indicate moving about

in the land for fun or to look at things, research and find out, and so on;

not to earn money, work or settle there.

When discussing tourism from the point of view of Islamic sharee’ah,

we must look at the following categories:

Firstly: The concept of siyaahah in Islam

Islam came to change many of the distorted concepts that are held by

imperfect human minds, and to connect them to the most sublime and

honourable values and morals. In the minds of earlier nations, siyaahah

was connected to the concept of self-punishment and forcing oneself to

travel through the land, and exhausting the body as a punishment for it or

as a way of shunning this world. Islam abolished this negative concept of

siyaahah.

Ibn Haani’ narrated that Ahmad ibn Hanbal was asked: Is a man who

travels about dearer to you, or one who stays in his city? He said: Siyaahah

has nothing to do with Islam, and it is not the action of the Prophets or the

righteous.

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali commented on the words of Imam Ahmad by

saying:


Siyaahah in this sense was done by some groups who are known to

strive in worship without knowledge; some of them gave up this activity

when they realized that it was not right.

Islam came to elevate the concept of siyaahah, and to connect it to

great and noble aims, such as the following:

1. Connecting siyaahah to worship. So travel – or siyaahah – is

enjoined in order to perform one of the pillars of Islam, namely Hajj

during certain months, and ‘umrah to the House of Allaah (S.W) is

prescribed throughout the year. When a man came to the Prophet

and asked him for permission for siyaahah (in the (صـــــــــــلى اهلل عـــــــــــليه وســـــــــــلم)

ancient sense of travelling as an act of asceticism or self-punishment

only), the Prophet (صــــــــلى اهلل عــــــــليه وســــــــلم) guided him to something that is

more sublime and better than siyaahah. He said to him: “The

siyaahah of my ummah is jihad for the sake of Allaah (S.W).”

Narrated by Abu Dawood (2486); classed as hasan by al-Albaani in

Saheeh Abi Dawood; its isnaad was classed as jayyid by al-‘Iraaqi in

Takhreej Ihya’ ‘Uloom al-Deen (2641). Think about how the Prophet

made a connection between the kind of (صـــــــــــلى اهلل عـــــــــــليه وســـــــــــلم) siyaahah

that is encouraged in sharee’ah and a great and noble aim.

2. In the Islamic worldview, siyaahah is also connected to knowledge

and learning. The greatest journeys were undertaken at the beginning

of Islam with the aim of seeking and spreading knowledge. al-Khateeb

al-Baghdadi wrote a famous book called al-Rihlah fi Talab al-Hadeeth

(Travelling to seek hadeeth) in which he compiled the names of those


who travelled for the sake of a single hadeeth. For example one of the

Taabi’een said concerning the verse in which Allaah (S.W) says:

“(The believers whose lives Allaah (S.W) has purchased are) those who

turn to Allaah (S.W) in repentance (from polytheism and hypocrisy), who

worship (Him), who praise (Him), who fast (or go out in Allaah (S.W)’s

Cause), who bow down (in prayer), who prostrate themselves (in prayer),

who enjoin (on people) Al‑Ma‘roof and forbid (people) from Al‑Munkar,

and who observe the limits set by Allaah (S.W). And give glad tidings to the

believers” [al-Tawbah 9:112]

‘Ikrimah said: al-saa’ihoon (translated here as who fast (or go out in

Allaah (S.W)’s Cause) are the seekers of knowledge.

This was narrated by Ibn Abi Haatim in his Tafseer (7/429). See also

Fath al-Qadeer (2/408).

Although the correct meaning according to the majority of the salaf is

that what is meant by al-saa’ihoon is those who fast.

3. Another of the aims of siyaahah in Islam is to learn lessons and

receive reminders. The command to travel about in the land appears

in several places in the Qur’aan. Allaah (S.W) says:

“Say (O Muhammad صــــــــــــــلى اهلل عــــــــــــــليه وســــــــــــــلم): Travel in the land and see

what was the end of those who rejected truth” [al-An’aam 6:11]


“Say to them (O Muhammad صــــــــــلى اهلل عــــــــــليه وســــــــــلم): “Travel in the land

and see how has been the end of the Mujrimoon (criminals, those who

denied Allaah (S.W)’s Messengers and disobeyed Allaah (S.W))” [al-Naml

27:69]

al-Qaasimi (may Allaah (S.W) have mercy on him) said they are the

ones who go to different places to study the ruins and learn a lesson from

them and seek other benefits.

4. Maybe the greatest aim of siyaahah in Islam is to call people to

Allaah (S.W) and to convey to mankind the light that was revealed to

our Prophet Muhammad (صـــلى اهلل عـــليه وســـلم). This is the mission of the

Messengers and Prophets and their companions after them (may

Allaah (S.W) be pleased with them). The companions of our Prophet

Muhammad (صــــلى اهلل عــــليه وســــلم) spread throughout the world, teaching

the people goodness and calling them to the message of truth. We

hope that the concept of siyaahah today will try to achieve the same

great aims.

5. Finally, siyaahah in Islam also includes travelling to ponder the

wonders of Allaah (S.W)’s creation and to enjoy the beauty of this

great universe, so that it will make the human soul develop strong faith

in the oneness of Allaah (S.W) and will help one to fulfil the

obligations of life. Relaxation is essential to enable one to strive hard

after that.

Allaah (S.W) says (interpretation of the meaning):


“Say: Travel in the land and see how (Allaah (S.W)) originated the

creation, and then Allaah (S.W) will bring forth the creation of the

Hereafter (i.e. resurrection after death). Verily, Allaah (S.W) is Able to do

all things” [al-‘Ankaboot 29:20]

Secondly: Guidelines on the type of siyaahah (tourism) that

is acceptable in Islam.

Islamic sharee’ah has brought a number of rulings that regulate

siyaahah so that it will achieve the aims mentioned above and will not

overstep the mark or become a source of evil and harm in society. These

rulings include the following:

1. It is haraam to travel for the purpose of venerating a specific

place, except the three mosques.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah (S.W) be pleased

with him) that the Prophet (صــــــلى اهلل عــــــليه وســــــلم) said: “No journey should be

undertaken to visit any mosque but three: al-Masjid al-Haraam, the

Mosque of the Messenger (صـــلى اهلل عـــليه وســـلم) and the Mosque of al-Aqsa.”

Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1132) and Muslim (1397).

This hadeeth indicates that it is haraam to undertake “religious

journeys”, as they are called, to any mosque other than these three, such as

those who call for travelling to visit graves or mashhads (shrines) or tombs

or mausoleums, especially those tombs that are venerated by people and


from which they seek blessing, and they commit all kinds of shirk and

haraam actions there. There is nothing in sharee’ah to suggest that places

are sacred and that acts of worship should be done in them apart from

these three mosques.

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him)

said: I went out to al-Toor (Sinai) where I met Ka’b al-Ahbaar and sat with

him … He mentioned a lengthy hadeeth then he said: Then I met Basrah

ibn Abi Basrah al-Ghifaari who said: From where have you come? I said:

From Sinai. He said: If I had met you before you went out, you would not

have gone to that place. I heard the Messenger of Allaah (S.W) (صــــــــــــــــــلـى اهلل

-say: “Mounts are not to be ridden except to three mosques: al (عــــــــــــــــليه وســــــــــــــــلم

Masjid al-Haraam, this mosque of mine and the mosque of Eeliya’ or

Bayt al-Maqdis [Jerusalem].”

Narrated by Maalik in al-Muwatta’ (108) and al-Nasaa’i (1430).

Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.

So it is not permissible to travel with the aim of visiting any holy place

except these three. This does not mean that it is haraam to visit mosques in

Muslim lands, because visiting them is prescribed and is mustahabb.

Rather what is forbidden is setting out with that aim. If a person has

another reason for travelling, and he happens to visit the mosque too, there

is nothing wrong with that, rather he is obliged to pray Jumu’ah and

prayers in congregation.


It is even more haraam to travel to visit places that are regarded as

holy in other religions, such as those who go to visit the Vatican or

Buddhist idols and so on.

2. The evidence also indicates that it is haraam for the Muslim to

travel in kaafir lands in general, because of the evils that will affect the

Muslim’s religious commitment and attitude as the result of mixing

with those nations who pay no attention to religion and morals,

especially when there is no need for him to travel for medical

treatment or business and so on, rather it is just for leisure and for fun.

Allaah (S.W) has made the Muslim lands spacious, praise be to Allaah

(S.W), and He has placed therein wonders of creation so that there is

no need to visit the kaafirs in their lands.

Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan (may Allaah (S.W) preserve him) said:

Travelling to kaafir lands is not permissible, because there are many

dangers posed to one’s beliefs and morals by mixing with the kuffaar and

staying among them. But if there is a valid need and a sound purpose for

travelling, such as travelling for medical treatment that is not available in a

Muslim country, or travelling to study something that is not available in a

Muslim country, or travelling for business purposes, these are valid

purposes for which it is permissible to travel to kaafir countries, provided

that one adheres to the rituals of Islam and is able to carry out his religious

duties in that country, but that (travel) should be done only as much as is

necessary, then one should return to the Muslim world.


As for travelling for tourism, that is not permissible, because the

Muslim has no need of that and it does not serve any interest that matches

or outweighs the harm and danger to his religious commitment and beliefs

that it involves.

Al-Muntaqa min Fataawa al-Shaykh al-Fawzaan (2/question no. 221)

We have already discussed this question in detail and at length on our

site. Please see the answers to question no. 52845, 8919 and 13342.

3. There can be no doubt that sharee’ah forbids tourism in places of

corruption, where alcohol is drunk and immoral actions take place and

sins are committed, such as beaches and parties and immoral places,

or travelling to hold celebrations on innovated festivals. The Muslim is

enjoined to keep away from sin so he should not commit sin or sit with

those who are committing sin.

The scholars of the Standing Committee said:

It is not permissible to go to places of corruption for the sake of

tourism, because of the danger that poses to one’s religious commitment

and morals. Islam came to block the means that lead to evil.

Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (26/332).

So how about tourism that encourages sin and immorality, and is

organized in order to promote it and spread it?

The scholars of the Standing Committee also said:


If this tourism involves making it easy to commit sin and evils, and

promotes them, then it is not permissible for the Muslim who believes in

Allaah (S.W) and the Last Day to help others to disobey Allaah (S.W) and

go against His commands. If a person gives up something for the sake of

Allaah (S.W), Allaah (S.W) will compensate him with something better

than it.

Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (26/224).

4. With regard to visiting the ruins and places of former nations, if

they are places of punishment where they were swallowed up by the

earth, transformed or destroyed because of their disbelief in Allaah

(S.W), then it is not permissible to take those places as sites for tourism

and recreation.

The scholars of the Standing Committee were asked:

In the city of al-Bada’, near Tabook, there is an area where there are

ancient ruins and houses carved out of the mountains, and some people

say that these were the dwellings of the people of Shu’ayb (peace be upon

him). My question is: Has it been proven that these were the dwellings of

the people of Shu’ayb (peace be upon him) or not? What is the ruling on

visiting these ruins for one whose aim is to have a look at them, and the

one whose aim is to ponder and learn a lesson?

They replied:

It is well known among the scholars that the houses of Madyan to

whom the Prophet Shu’ayb (peace be upon him) was sent were in the


north-west of the Arabian Peninsula, which is now known as al-Bada’ and

its environs.

Allaah (S.W) knows best what is really true. If this is correct, then it is

not permissible to visit those places for the purpose of having a look at

them, because when the Prophet (صـلى اهلل عـليه وسـلم) passed though al-Hijr –

which was where the houses of Thamood were – he said: “Do not enter

the dwellings of those who wronged themselves unless you are weeping,

lest there befall you something like that which befell them.” Then he

covered his head and urged his mount to move on quickly until he left the

place behind.

Narrated by al-Bukhaari (3200) and Muslim (2980).

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah (S.W) have mercy on him) said, whilst

listing the lessons and rulings learned from the campaign to Tabook:

One who passes by the places of those who were subjected to divine

wrath or who were punished should not enter them or stay among them,

rather he should hasten to move on and should cover his head with his

garment until he has passed them, and he should not enter upon them

unless he is weeping and willing to learn a lesson. An example of this is

when the Prophet (صـــــــلى اهلل عـــــــليه وســـــــلم) hastened to move on in the valley of

Muhsir, between Mina and Muzdalifah, because it was the place where

Allaah (S.W) destroyed the elephant and its companions.

Zaad al-Ma’aad (3/560).


Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allaah (S.W) have mercy on him) said,

commenting on the hadeeth quoted above:

This applies to the dwellings of Thamood and others like them,

though the reason was given concerning them.

Fath al-Baari (6/380).

See: Majmoo’at Abhaath Hay’at Kibaar al-‘Ulama’ fi’l-Mamlakat

al-‘Arabiyyah al-Sa’oodiyyah, vol. 3, essay entitled Hukm Ihya’ Diyaar

Thamood.

5. It is also not permissible for a woman to travel without a mahram.

The scholars have stated that it is haraam for a woman to travel

without a mahram for Hajj or ‘umrah, so how about if the travel is for

the purpose of tourism which involves a lot of carelessness and

haraam mixing?!

6. As for organizing trips for kuffaar in Muslim countries, the basic

principle is that it is permissible. If a kaafir tourist is granted

permission by a Muslim state to enter, then he is granted safety until

he leaves. But during his stay in the Muslim country he should be

required to show respect for the Islamic religion and the morals and

culture of the Muslims; he should not call people to his religion or

claim that Islam is false, and he should only go out in clothes that are

appropriate for a Muslim country, not as they are accustomed to dress

in their country, semi naked and decadent. He should not be a helper

or spy for his people. And finally the kuffaar should not be allowed to


visit the two Holy Sanctuaries in Makkah and Madeenah al-

Munawwarah.

Thirdly:

It is obvious to everyone that tourism (siyaahah) nowadays mostly

involves sin, immoral deeds and transgression of the sacred limits, such as

deliberate wanton display and nakedness, permissive mixing, drinking of

alcohol, promotion of corruption, imitation of the kuffaar and

introduction of their customs and ways, and even their diseases, let alone a

waste of money, time and effort. All of that happens in the name of

tourism. We remind everyone who is concerned about his religion, morals

and ummah not to help to promote this evil kind of tourism; rather he

should fight it and fight against the culture that it promotes; he should be

proud of his religion, culture and morals, for they will protect him against

all evils, and give him an alternative in the conservative Muslim lands.

And Allaah (S.W) knows best.


REFERENCES


Saujana Wira Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. Website:

http://www.wirasaujana.com

Saujana Wira Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. Office:

At: 16-1A, Jalan Medan Batu Caves 1, Taman Medan Batu Caves,

68100 Batu Caves, Selangor.

The biggest digital challenges facing the travel industry:

Qubit roundtable insights:

http://blog.qubitproducts.com/the-biggest-digital-challenges-facing-

the-travel-industry-qubit-roundtable-insights

Challenges and Opportunities Facing Canada's Tourism

Industry:

http://www.tourism.gc.ca/eic/site/034.nsf/eng/00040.html

Challenges and Opportunities for Tourism Development in

Small Island Developing States:

http://www.e-unwto.org/content/m47h4q

Islamic Perspectives:

http://islamqa.info


http://www.wirasaujana.com

http://blog.qubitproducts.com/the-biggest-digital-challenges-facing-the-travel-industry-qubit-roundtable-insights

http://www.tourism.gc.ca/eic/site/034.nsf/eng/00040.html

http://islamqa.info

THANK YOU


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