Muslim world: A study of tourism & pilgrimage among OIC Member States

• This study is concerned with tourism in general and pilgrimage in specific among Muslims countries.
• Reference is made to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States and their travel and tourism industry.
• Findings revealed that tourism and pilgrimage have great potential in most Muslim countries, but remain constrained.
• This study provides new perspectives on the tourism and pilgrimage among OIC Member States that are rarely examined.
• This paper should be of interest and importance to OIC authorities and the tourism industry.

This study is concerned with tourism in general and pilgrimage in specific among Muslim countries. Reference is made to conditions in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States and their travel and tourism industry and the role of religion (Islam) in tourism and society. Selected literature, other relevant documents and data derived from previous studies and personal observations/experiences were examined to provide insights on the subject and to help achieve the objectives of study. Findings revealed that tourism and pilgrimage have great potential in most Muslim countries. However, in general, it constrained by several internal and external factors, which lead the industry's contribution to economic growth and unity among Muslim nations relatively limited.