The objectives of this study are to test the relationship between tourism motivations and tourist satisfaction, and to test how ‘Religion’ moderates the relationship. The variable ‘Religion’ is represented by the availability of Islamic norms and practices relevant to tourism at the destination. The results of the partial least square indicate that tourism motivations are significantly and positively related to tourist satisfaction. The results also showed that Religion significantly moderates the relationship between pull motivation and tourist satisfaction. However, the moderating effect of Religion on the relationship between push motivation and tourist satisfaction was not supported.

This article begins by explaining the concept of Islamic Shariah. It explains the sources of Shariah as well as its higher objectives. The article focuses on the implications of observance of Shariah in the tourism and hospitality industries. Following this is a description of the recent phenomena of “Halal tourism" and “Islamic Hospitality” illustrated through selected examples from Muslim countries in Asia and the Middle East. The development of "Islamically oriented” standards is also discussed giving rise to new concepts such as “Shariah-compliant,” which refers to Islamic consideration of being alcohol free, gambling free, and the availability of “Halal” food. Lastly, the article discusses future trends and challenges related to Halal tourism.

This study attempts to empirically test the mediating effect of overall tourist satisfaction between travel motivations (push and pull) and destination loyalty. The tourism motivations were found significantly and positively related to tourist satisfaction. The results also supported that the tourist satisfaction positively associated with destination loyalty. The results indentified that the most important push motivations for Muslim tourists include achievement, exciting and adventure, family togetherness, knowledge/education, and escape. The most important pull motivations for Muslim tourists include natural scenery, wide space and activities, cleanness and shopping, and modern atmosphere.