Types of tourism: the travelogue of the greatest traveller

Purpose This study is one of the first to address the types of tourism in contemporary standing in relation to the travel chronicle of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Consequently, this paper aims to identify the similarities between contemporary types of tourism and the premodern travelogue of Muhammad. Not many studies have been conducted relating to Islam, Muhammad and tourism. Design/methodology/approach Muhammad’s travel chronicle was reviewed through a content analysis of the Qu’ran, Hadith and Sirah. A literature review on contemporary types of tourism was conducted to synchronise the use of terminology from Muhammad’s premodern travels and contemporary types of tourism. Findings It is clear that the experiences being narrated in contemporary tourism were also experienced during Muhammad’s time, using different terminology but with similar connotations. Originality/value This study is one of the first to address the similarities between Muhammad’s premodern travelling and contemporary types of tourism. It is clear that several types of tourism that exist today were actually experienced and practiced by Muhammad.