Global research trends in halal tourism: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Halal tourism is a specialized sector designed to meet the needs of Muslim travelers by offering services and amenities that adhere to Islamic guidelines, including halal-certified food, prayer facilities, and sharia-compliant lodging. This industry fosters cultural inclusivity and drives economic development, gaining attention from various global destinations. This research aims to explore the development, trends, and contributions of scholarly work in halal tourism using bibliometric analysis. The data for this study was sourced from the Scopus database, resulting in a total of 234 publications spanning the years 2010 to 2025. The results indicate a notable expansion in halal tourism research from its inception up to 2024. Indonesia and Malaysia emerge as the leading countries in this field, playing a crucial role in advancing halal tourism through extensive research and publication efforts. These nations are focused on creating halal-compliant tourism infrastructure and marketing strategies, while addressing the complexities of aligning tourism practices with Islamic values, establishing themselves as frontrunners in the global halal tourism industry.