Sharia compliance as the potential factor for halal tourism destination development

Abstract

The substantial potential of Indonesian halal tourism expansion has obtained society's immediate attention. It is reflected in Indonesian Muslim majority society's religious enthusiasm, potentially appealing halal tourism destination resources, and the economic potential to enhance social welfare. Recently, society has put tourism as one of their needs, not as their leisure activity. Many tourists in Indonesia have been declared as halal tourism sites. However, many people perceive halal tourism as a mere trend and brand adopted due to the halal substantial, like hotels and restaurants. Therefore, a sharia principle is critically required to be the fundamental or guideline for the halal concept implementation. The halal concept can be successfully implemented if sharia compliance has expanded. Besides, the establishment of halal tourism should also follow the sharia principles to ensure the adoption of sharia values due to the considerable number of tourists. Sharia compliance becomes one of the Muslim identities, as shown from the role of the Muslim clerics on the scientific forum and research that articulate halal tourism establishment carries excellent opportunity to improve society's economy and well-being. Therefore, social compliance is the potent factor to be consistently cultivated through Indonesian halal tourism potential.