Beyond the Minaret: Integrating Authenticity, Halal-Centric Hospitality, and Experiential Quality at Islamic Heritage Sites for Tourist Satisfaction and Loyalty

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University

2 Higher Institute of Tourism and Hotels, EGOTH, Luxor

Abstract

"This study examines how perceived authenticity, halal-centric hospitality, and experiential quality collectively drive tourist satisfaction and loyalty at Islamic heritage sites, with tourist type as a moderator. Using a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional survey of 350 visitors to Islamic Cairo (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the findings reveal that experiential quality exerts the strongest influence on satisfaction (β = 0.298, *p* < 0.001), followed by perceived authenticity (β = 0.287) and halal-centric hospitality (β = 0.241). Satisfaction significantly predicts loyalty (β = 0.762, *p* < 0.001), particularly among religious tourists. Tourist type systematically moderates these relationships: religious tourists prioritize halal services, while leisure tourists value experiential quality and authenticity. The findings advance Islamic heritage tourism theory by integrating service quality, cultural authenticity, and motivational segmentation, offering practical strategies for tailored site management and marketing. The study also demonstrates the relationship between perceived authenticity, halal hospitality, experience quality, tourist satisfaction, loyalty, and SDGs.

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