Title: Creating the awareness of halal MICE tourism business in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Authors: Suwaluck Uansa-ard; Aree Binprathan

Addresses: Faculty of Management Science, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, 202 Changpuak Rd., Muang, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand ' Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality, Graduate School, Durakij Pundit University, 110/1-4 Prachachuen Rd., Tung Song Hong, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Thailand

Abstract: Chiang Mai has an abundant of natural resources modern logistic, beautiful cultural assimilation and excellent business facilities. With the help of Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, Chiang Mai is being promoted as a hub for meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) in the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN). This study focuses on the effectiveness and strength of HALAL in the MICE tourism business in Chiang Mai. It involves in-depth interviews with three MICE agencies, administrators from Muslim friendly hotels, halal restaurant owners, officers in the tourism industry, Islamic academics and guides who work with Muslim tourist agencies. Furthermore, Chiang Mai is a leading supply centre for certified halal products in Thailand. This study suggests that those involved in the halal tourism business should work together to enhance the effectiveness of halal MICE and standards the religious based facilities for Muslim visitors from inside and outside ASEAN countries.

Keywords: halal tourism; heritage; sustainable; Chiang Mai; Thailand; MICE halal; Muslim-friendly business; business travellers; halal business; Muslim travellers; halal destination; halal events; halal hospitality.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTP.2018.094490

International Journal of Tourism Policy, 2018 Vol.8 No.3, pp.203 - 213

Received: 10 Jan 2018
Accepted: 23 May 2018
Published online: 03 Sep 2018 *

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