Understanding the Challenges and Potentials of Tourist Mosque Development in Malaysia: A Supply-Side Perspective

The increasing prominence of tourist mosques in Malaysia has expanded the role of mosques beyond their traditional religious functions, creating both opportunities and challenges for mosque institutions. While previous studies have mainly focused on tourist motivation, satisfaction and behavioural intention, relatively less attention has been given to the perspectives of mosque stakeholders responsible for managing tourism-related activities. This study examines the development of tourist mosques in Malaysia from a supply-side perspective, exploring the opportunities and challenges faced by mosque stakeholders. A qualitative multiple-case study design was employed involving ten selected tourist mosques in Peninsular Malaysia. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 21 key informants and complemented by site observations and documentary sources. The data were analysed using thematic analysis and cross-case comparison. The findings suggest that tourist mosque development is supported by three interrelated institutional dimensions, namely heritage and religious assets, institutional capacity for visitor engagement, and institutional sustainability. The study also found that mosque stakeholders continue to face challenges related to governance coordination, operational readiness and balancing tourism activities with the mosque's primary religious and community functions. Sustaining tourist mosque development, therefore, depends on strengthening institutional leadership, collaborative networks and continuous imarah, rather than increasing visitor numbers alone. By focusing on the perspectives of mosque stakeholders, this study contributes to the growing literature on mosque tourism by extending discussion beyond visitor-centred approaches and providing a better understanding of how tourist mosque development is realised and sustained within contemporary mosque institutions in Malaysia.

Tourist mosque development; mosque tourism; supply-side perspective; institutional capacity; imarah; Malaysia

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