A Conceptual Framework of Mobile Engagement in Meeting Faith-Based Needs in Muslim-Friendly Tourism

Abstract

The rapid growth of Muslim-friendly tourism has intensified scholarly and practical interest in understanding how Muslim travelers’ faith-based needs are accommodated in contemporary travel environments. While prior studies have identified essential religious requirements such as halal food, prayer facilities, and shariah compliant services, limited conceptual work explains how digital technologies particularly mobile applications mediate the fulfillment of these needs across the travel journey. This paper develops a conceptual framework that positions mobile engagement as a central mechanism linking Muslim travelers’ faith-based needs to enhanced travel confidence, emotional comfort, and destination satisfaction. Drawing from halal tourism literature, digital engagement theory, and technology-enabled service design, the framework conceptualizes mobile applications as functional, psychological, and social enablers that support religious continuity during travel. The paper contributes theoretically by integrating faith-based tourism and mobile engagement into a unified conceptual model and offers practical insights for destination managers and digital platform developers seeking to design inclusive Muslim-friendly tourism experiences.