Mice industry as a driver of economic development

Development of Halal tourism and Halal MICE industry 
For last few years MICE industry is growing rapidly all around the world and taking 
role as one of the most prosperous types of tourism. Even within MICE industry and 

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tourism there are some niche type of tourism such as Halal MICE tourism. There is a 
growing demand for Halal tourism in all of its types, which is attracting the attention of 
the owners of the major hotels and tourism agencies (Alkuwait Reuters, 2015). There are 
increasing demand of Halal products among non-Muslims customer and the emergence 
of Muslim businessmen is also witnessed in non-Muslim countries as well (Islam and 
Chandrasekaran, 2013). Halal tourism industry is expanding not only because of the large 
population of Muslims globally, but also because travel and tourism industry is integrating 
into Islamic economy (Halkiestal, 2014).
Some authors have also suggested that the major components of Halal tourism are 
similar to those of conventional tourism which includes hotels, restaurants, logistics, 
financing, and travel packages. Evaluation of the value of tourism products in case of 
Halal tourism, however, entails a completely different process due to the requirements of 
dealings with such things in Islam. These requirements are called Shari’ah principles and 
at the simplest level, these principles include some restrictions such as prohibition of 
adultery, gambling, consumption of pork and alcoholic drinks, and other forbidden 
(haram) products and services as well as having its own dress code which requires 
modesty in dressing. In addition, a typical Muslim is expected to do regular 5 daily prayers 
in clean environments and fast during month of Ramadan. Recently, the tourism industry 
experienced a big change in the traveling moods and patterns of international tourists 
which is promoting Muslim tourist to visit mainly Muslim destinations (Al-Hamarneh and 
Steiner, 2004). 
When it comes to Uzbekistan, more than 95% of its population belongs to Muslim 
faith. Many tourists from Muslim countries such as such as Malaysia, Indonesia, GCC 
countries, Turkey, Central Asian countries, Iran and Pakistan visit many sights of Islamic 
heritage in various cities of Uzbekistan (Safarov, 2020). Unfortunately, the field of halal 
tourism is understudied in case of Uzbekistan, and there is relatively little research in the 
field. On other hand the main research gap we are intending to investigate in this paper is 
the topic of Halal MICE industry for case of Uzbekistan, where there is virtually no 
research exists. Upon completion of our investigation of the issue, we will provide some 
recommendation which could be used by industry practitioners and relevant policymakers.