In this SLR, 31 articles were analyzed based on predetermined selection criteria. Studies on halal tourism were dominated by contributions from Indonesia, with a remarkably significant number of 28 articles ( Fig. 2). This shows that the topic of halal tourism has strong relevance to the social, cultural, and religious context. Two studies originated from Thailand, reflecting that this topic has also attracted attention in Southeast Asia, a region with similar cultural and religious backgrounds. Meanwhile, only one study was from the United States, suggesting a rising interest from a global perspective, particularly in a country with a non-Muslim majority. Overall, these results show that studies on halal tourism remain heavily centered in Indonesia, with limited contributions from Thailand and the United States. At the same time, this opens opportunities for expanding cross-country studies.

The dominance of Indonesian publications not only shows the country leadership in halal tourism scholarship but also shows a significantgeographical imbalance.Consequently, the generalizability of currentresults at the global level remains limited. These results point to the need forbroader cross-country and comparative studies to enhance the internationalrepresentation and understanding of halal tourism.

Based on the data in (Fig. 3), most studies on halal tourism used the case study method, with a total of 11 articles. This shows that the majority prefer the case study approach to explore halal tourism phenomena within specific contexts, such as regions, communities, or institutions. The survey method ranked second with eight articles, suggesting that quantitative approach using questionnaires are also quite popular for measuring tourists perceptions, attitudes, and intentions toward halal destinations. Furthermore, interview and conceptual methods were each used in four articles, reflecting studies that emphasize gaining deeper insights from stakeholders through interviews, as well as the development of concepts and theories. Only three articles applied the review method, showing that SLR remain relatively scarce. The simulation method was identified in only one article, suggesting that computational modelling and scenario-based simulations in halal tourism study are still minimal. These results show the dominance of exploratory and descriptive studies, while also pointing to significant opportunities for further developing investigations that use systematic reviews and simulation-based approach.

Based on the classification of key study ( Table 1), the results show a fairly diverse distribution with varying emphases across different aspects. The largest focus was Muslim tourist behavior, satisfaction, and loyalty (26% of the total studies), with key results showing that affective value, halal value, Islamic attributes, destination image, and memorable experiences play crucial roles in shaping satisfaction, loyalty, and revisit intentions (Junaidi, 2020);(R. et al., 2021);(Y. et al., 2021);(M. & F, 2024);(S. et al., 2024);(E. et al., 2024); (S. et al., 2024). Affective and halal values are proven to be stronger determinants of loyalty compared to cognitive values (S. et al., 2024). Meanwhile, Islamic attributes and destination image have a strong influence on revisit intentions, even though satisfaction does not always serve as a strong mediator (M. & F, 2024). Memorable experiences enhance destination attachment (E. et al., 2024), and Islamic environments, along with halal services, remain dominant determinants of visitation (Y. et al., 2021). A study in Lombok showed that the quality of experience significantly influenced revisit intentions (R. et al., 2021), while industry actors tended to adopt a Muslim-friendly model approach to expand the market with moderate transition costs (Junaidi, 2020). From a global perspective, studies in Thailand emphasize the importance of sustainability and cultural sensitivity through Muslim tourist lifestyles, as well as the need to improve certified halal services and environmentally friendly tourism (S. et al., 2024). Overall, halal tourism relies not only on the availability of halal services but also on emotional dimensions, memorable experiences, destination image, and cultural sustainability.

The category of policies, regulations, and governance of halal tourism ranked second with five articles (19%), emphasizing the importance of legal frameworks and governance in supporting development (L. et al., 2022);(C. et al., 2024);(U. et al., 2024);(E. & H, 2024);(Y. et al., 2024). These studies underscore the significance of regulatory formulation, legal politics, and governance of halal tourism across different countries, particularly in Indonesia and Thailand. The results show that the success of halal tourism development does not solely rely on market and destination aspects but also strongly influenced by clear legal and policy frameworks.

In Indonesia, (Y. et al., 2024) emphasized the role of Islamiclaw and ulama in shaping halal tourism policies. (L. et al., 2022) underlined the trend of positive regulations that must remain adaptive to societal pluralism. (E. & H, 2024) also emphasized the importance of compliance with regional rules, while (C. et al., 2024) showed that differences in local authorities create misconceptions hindering implementation. In Thailand, (U. et al., 2024) showed that legal politics combined with digital advertising strategies effectively increase Muslim tourists interest, recommendations, and engagement. Overall, regulatory support is identified as a key driver in strengthening the global competitiveness of halal tourism.

The aspects of branding, promotion, and communication of halal tourism were quite prominent, with four articles (A. et al., 2019);(S. et al., 2019);(I. et al., 2022);(S. et al., 2020), contributing around 15% of the total articles. Studies in this category emphasize long-term strategies for building the image of halal destinations through marketing, religious identity-based city branding, and halal tourism communication models. The studies also underscore the importance of digital promotion in the post-pandemic era in revitalizing the tourism sector and adapting to changing tourist behaviors. Studies on halal tourism in Indonesia have showed various approach, ranging from local identity-based city branding (A. et al., 2019), communication models that remain top-down (S. et al., 2019), to post-pandemic marketing strategies emphasizing halal literacy and tourist motivation (I. et al., 2022). In a contemporary context, digital campaigns have also proven effective in promoting halal ecotourism and environmental conservation through social media (S. et al., 2020). Overall, the development of halal tourism relies not only on halal services but also on branding, communication, literacy, and digital campaigns that strengthen Indonesia competitiveness at the global level.

An equal number of studies were found in the category of destinationdevelopment strategies and halal tourism ecosystems (Maftukhatusolikhah et al., 2024); (A. et al., 2024); (A. et al., 2017), which focus onsustainable development, strengthening value chains, and the directionof national halal tourism development. This category contributed around11% of the overall articles and emphasized the importance of sustainability,

adaptive ecosystems, and strong Islamic foundations. A study in PerlangVillage, Bangka Belitung, showed that the halal tourism model developedwas consistent with halal principles and the SDGs, while also providinginclusive benefits for the wider community (Maftukhatusolikhah et al., 2024).In West Sumatra, the halal tourism value chain ecosystem was establishedthrough the support of destinations, regulations, and digital technologies,although further institutional strengthening, activity diversification, andcommunity empowerment are still needed for greater optimization (A. et al., 2024). From a conceptual perspective, (A. et al., 2017)traced theshift in nomenclature from “Islamic tourism” to “halal tourism” since 2013,rooted in the principles of the Qur’an and Sunnah, and later formulated ninecore principles by the DSN-MUI, including public benefit, enlightenment,tranquility, inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and respect for localwisdom.

Studies on halal tourism in Indonesia have shown thematic diversity with varying proportions.

More specifically, studies on halal food consumption and tourism products (A. et al., 2021);(S. et al., 2024), technology and digitalization (S. et al., 2020);(M. et al., 2022), literacy and social capital (I. et al., 2023);(A. et al., 2024), as well as systematic and bibliometric reviews (J. et al., n.d.);(A. et al., n.d.) each account for two articles, or about 7% of the total. This variation reflects a wide range of approach, from halal food management and cultural integration to the use of GIS-based technologies and recommendation systems, halal tourism literacy, as well as mapping of previous studies. Meanwhile, the topic of implementation and certification of halal tourism remains underexplored, with only one article (Syufa'at et al., 2024) examining CHSE certification in halal tourism sites, contributing just 4% of the total studies. This shows a study area that remains open for further exploration.

Studies in Indonesia underscore the importance of halal food and products as pillars of sustainable tourism. (A. et al., 2021) reported that halal tourism in East Nusa Tenggara is grounded in DSN-MUI principles while remaining inclusive for all ethnicities and religions, making it a diversity-embracing model. (S. et al., 2024) identified significant opportunities in Tana Toraja through increasing demand, menu diversification, as well as the support of technology and e-commerce, although challenges remain regarding public awareness and the need for certification. Overall, the integration of Islamic values, local wisdom, technological innovation, and institutional support was identified as the key to strengthening Indonesia competitiveness in global halal tourism.

In the theme of digital technology, (S. et al., 2020) showed how GIS-based web and mobile applications (GPWI) in Bukittinggi facilitated Muslim tourists in locating mosques and nearby tourism facilities. (M. et al., 2022) also developed a game-based multi-criteria recommender system for halal tourism destinations. The composition and quantity of input data significantly influence the system accuracy. Both studies show that the integration of data-driven technologies can enhance convenience as well as the overall tourist experience.

Aspects of literacy and institutional capacity also attract attention. (I. et al., 2023) constructed a conceptual framework for halal tourism literacy, finding that tourists at different literacy levels are able to self-assess with reasonable accuracy. (A. et al., 2024) further explained that intellectual capital significantly affects the performance of tourism organizations, while spiritual capital has an indirect effect through mediation mechanisms. This underscores the importance of integrating knowledge and spiritual values in strengthening halal tourism institutions.

From the perspective of facilities and literature, (J. et al., n.d.), through a bibliometric study, reported limited studies on supporting facilities, even though amenities such as mosques, prayer rooms, and halal culinary options have been proven to be key factors in Muslim tourists destination choices. Indonesia was identified as the main contributor to halal tourism studies. (A. et al., n.d.), through a SLR, emphasized that halal attributes, such as the availability of halal food and Islamic accommodation, remain the primary considerations for Muslim tourists when selecting destinations.