The global hospitality industry has witnessed a transformative shift in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for services tailored to the religious and cultural needs of Muslim travelers. This demographic represents a significant segment in the global tourism market, and their preferences have led to the growing emergence of Islamic hotels, accommodations that are aligned with Shariah principles. At the heart of this growth is digitalization, which plays a critical role in enhancing accessibility, operational efficiency, and global outreach for these establishments. The digital landscape, particularly through online booking platforms, now enables Muslim travelers to conveniently search for and secure accommodations that comply with Islamic values. These platforms often provide detailed information on key features such as halal certified restaurants, prayer facilities, and rooms equipped with prayer mats and qibla directions. This level of convenience not only streamlines the planning process but also instills confidence among travelers that their religious needs will be respected and fulfilled throughout their journey.

As Muslim travelers from affluent nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Brunei continue to expand their global footprint, their expectations for quality, faith aligned hospitality have risen accordingly. In response, Islamic hotels are utilizing digital marketing strategies including social media campaigns and targeted advertisements to effectively communicate their unique offerings. Ramadan specific packages, gender segregated amenities, and culturally sensitive services are now prominently showcased online, attracting not only Muslim tourists but also those interested in experiencing culturally immersive stays. Interestingly, this trend is not confined to Muslim majority countries; destinations such as Japan and South Korea are increasingly adopting digital tools to cater to the growing halal tourism sector. Platforms like CrescentRating and HalalTrip are pivotal in this movement, serving as centralized sources of information on halal friendly accommodations, eateries, and nearby mosques, thereby enhancing the destination appeal to Muslim travelers.

In addition to customer facing digital tools, the operational side of Islamic hotel management is also benefiting from technological advancements. Mobile applications and integrated hotel management systems are being widely adopted to enhance service delivery, from seamless online check ins and real time room service requests to personalized guest experiences that adhere to Islamic principles. Such innovations ensure that Islamic values are upheld while maintaining the high standards expected in modern hospitality. For instance, digital systems can automatically allocate rooms with prayer facilities or notify housekeeping to supply specific items such as prayer rugs, contributing to a more meaningful and spiritually satisfying stay.

The impact of these digital advancements is underscored by findings from the Global Muslim Travel Index 2024, which projects that the number of Muslim tourists will surpass 230 million by 2026, generating a staggering USD 300 billion in travel expenditures. Countries like Malaysia and Türkiye, recognized for their proactive integration of digital solutions into their tourism and hospitality sectors, are poised to become leaders in this lucrative market. As digitalization continues to reshape the hospitality landscape, the Islamic hotel sector stands to benefit significantly by becoming more visible, accessible, and efficient, qualities that are essential for sustained industry growth in an increasingly competitive and connected world.

This article is written by Nor Amira Mohd Razali, a lecturer at the Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan. Her expertise lies in Hospitality Management, Sustainability in Hospitality, and Islamic Hotel Practices. She holds a Master's Degree in Hospitality Management from Universiti Teknologi MARA (2015) and a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management from Universiti Utara Malaysia (2012).