Tourist satisfaction on natural environment within Islamic built environment context in the shariah Compliant Hotel in Malaysia

Abstract

For four years in a row from 2011 to 2014, Malaysia according to Crescent Rating of Singapore has been recognized as the top destination for Muslim travelers across the globe. The recognition perceived by Malaysia Islamic Tourism Centre as an indication towards effort in Halal and Islamic value related accolades. The phenomena leading into massive demand in so called Muslim Fr iendly Tourism, and one of them through the hotel industry. In order to fully understood as to how the product related to demand of hotel able to sustain according to the MFT attributes, the level of acceptance and customer satisfaction has to be discovered. Within the context of Islamic Built Environment, this perspective is still at it infancy. Thus, this paper attempted to evaluate tourist acceptance and satisfaction on Natural Environment in Shariah Compliant Hotel in Malaysia as address by IBE. The adaptation of Natural Environment as one of the IBE indicators is among the most important criteria to be implemented. The appraisals were prepared through quantitative approach using questionnaire by tourist staying in the hotel and acting as respondents in selected SCH. The appraisal will be tested based on the tangible and intangible aspect within the perimeter of architectural form especially in managing the open space. As a result, the discussion anticipates either the acceptance and satisfaction on the Natural Environment in SCH in Malaysia is congruent with the IBE or it might be a contradiction with the value of Muslim Friendly Tourism (MFT). The findings expected to contribute to better understanding of stakeholder such as hotel operators as well as travel agencies towards the needs and expectation on Natural Environment and t herefore, boosting Islamic tourism industries in Malaysia.