Stakeholder Readiness in Muslim Friendly Cultural Tourism

Islamic tourism is embedded within the socio-cultural fabric of society, requiring development strategies that reflect both tangible and intangible cultural dimensions. This study aims to assess stakeholder readiness to comply with Muslim-Friendly Cultural Tourism (MFCT) guidelines in Malaysia, thereby evaluating the feasibility of integrating Muslim-Friendly Tourism (MFT) principles into cultural tourism practices. A quantitative research design was employed, drawing on descriptive statistical analysis and ANOVA. Data were collected from 200 tour operators to examine their awareness, preparedness, and compliance with MFCT guidelines. The results indicate that MFCT implementation is feasible in Perlis, supported by strong stakeholder awareness and readiness. Readiness was categorised into five dimensions: syariah compliance, provision of halal food, availability of prayer facilities, delivery of Islamic services, and gender separation measures. These categories highlight the extent to which tourism stakeholders are prepared to align with MFCT principles. The findings underscore the potential for MFCT to enhance Malaysia’s positioning as a leading global destination for Muslim-Friendly Tourism. Effective implementation requires addressing governance challenges, particularly the fragmented issuance of fatwas by State Mufti Departments, improving service provider knowledge of MFT principles, and ensuring the maintenance of cultural heritage sites. This study concludes that MFCT guidelines can be effectively implemented among tourism stakeholders in Perlis, contributing to Malaysia’s broader aspiration to strengthen its global reputation in Muslim-Friendly Tourism. By situating cultural tourism within the framework of Islamic values, MFCT offers a strategic pathway for sustainable tourism development and enriches the cultural experience for Muslim travellers.