Ramadan and tourism!
Ramadan (the holy month of fasting in the Islamic calendar) brings about changes in the daily lives of many destinations and therefore directly affects tourism. During Ramadan, believers fast from dawn to sunset, meaning they abstain from food, drink, and other bodily needs during that period. As the Islamic calendar is lunar, the dates of Ramadan shift earlier by about 10-11 days each year, so this period can occur at different times of the year. Ramadan in 2025 begins the evenings of 28 February or 1 March (depending on the sighting of the new moon) and it ends evening of 29th March.
For tourism professionals, it is important to understand how Ramadan affects tourism Here's how to adapt your offer. Below we provide key information and advice:
Adapting tourist services during Ramadan
Ramadan requires certain adjustments in the operation of hotels, restaurants, tourist tours, and other services, in order to respect local customs and simultaneously meet the needs of guests.
- Hotels The majority of hotels in Muslim countries operate normally and during Ramadan, and guests often won't notice a significant difference in basic services. Food and drink are still served, although it can be harder to get alcohol (many do not serve it at all during this month). Hotel restaurants in tourist areas are usually exempt from the strict daily bans.
- Tourist tours and guide services: Agencies are needed Adjust the excursion schedule conditions of Ramadan. During the day, especially in the afternoon, local guides and drivers may be slower due to fasting, and some attractions may have reduced hours. Therefore, it is better to plan your tour for earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, with a break before iftar. For example, instead of a full-day excursion with lunch at 1 pm, organise two shorter segments – a morning tour, then a rest during the hottest part of the day, followed by a continuation in the early evening and a shared iftar experience. Include cultural experiences related to Ramadan: visiting evening Ramadan bazaars, participating in a communal Iftar, or attending evening prayers (Tarawih) as part of a tour can enrich the guests' experience. In this way, instead of a lack of daytime activities, travellers gain an authentic community experience during the month of Ramadan. Naturally, in advance check opening hours sites on the tour – museums, fortresses, souvenir shops etc. – as many during Ramadan They open later and close earlier No, it's not typical.
Opening hours and attraction availability
One of the biggest operational challenges during Ramadan is Change of working hours various institutions and attractions. While key tourist attractions in most popular destinations remain open to visitors, they often operate on an altered schedule:
- Shorter working hours: Many attractions, museums, and shops They open later and close earlier Anyway, to adapt to the daily fast and allow employees to rest and prepare for iftar. For example, in Egypt, museums and pyramids may close up to two hours earlier than usual, and in Tunisia, attractions also do not operate as late into the night as usual, so the morning is the best time to visit.
- Breaks during the day: During key prayer times (particularly the midday prayer around lunchtime) and in the early evening, many establishments may temporarily close. It is not uncommon for activities to slow down or be temporarily suspended in the late afternoon (before sunset) while iftar is taking place. Shops and souvenir shops may also be closed around sunset and immediately afterwards as vendors break their fast. Some destinations clearly post special Ramadan opening hours on their doors – look out for these signs or check online beforehand.
- Nightlife and entertainment: To expect quieter evenings in the sense of usual nightlife. In many places clubs, bars, and similar entertainment venues do not operate at all during Ramadan or have limited opening hours. In more conservative countries (like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman) there are no classic nightclubs anyway, while in more liberal destinations (e.g. Turkey, Indonesia) bars may remain open but with a reduced offering (no music events, no alcohol in some cases). On the other hand, liveliness moves into the night hours of a different kind – after iftar, cities often come alive. In many destinations, shops and markets rade do kasno u noć . For example, shopping centres or bazaars will be open until midnight, so tourists can enjoy evening shopping and strolls. Travel agencies This means the possibility of organising evening tours or shopping trips after dinner.
- Transport Public transport timetables generally remain unchanged during Ramadan. Also, immediately after sunset, traffic can be chaotic as everyone goes out after a day of fasting. In some countries (e.g. Morocco, Tunisia), the highest rate of traffic accidents has been recorded precisely after iftar due to increased traffic and reduced driver concentration.
Guest expectations and behaviour during Ramadan
Tourists visiting destinations during Ramadan often don't know what to expect or how they should behave. It is the responsibility of tourism professionals to prepare and inform them, so that guests also respect local customs and to avoid any inconvenience or breaches of the law.
- Fasting is not compulsory, but discretion is advised. Od Non-Muslims are not expected. to participate in the fast, hence your guests I can eat and drink during the day – but it's important Where and how. In some countries, to eat or drink publicly during Lent is even illegal and it's punishable. In other environments, it's not a legal prohibition, but it is socially undesirable. For example, UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Oman visitors are asked to refrain from public consumption of food, drink and cigarettes during the day of Ramadan. On the other hand, in countries like Turkey, Egypt or Tunisia This is not prescribed by law – tourists can eat and drink, but it is considered polite to do so moderately and not too conspicuously in public.
- Dress and behaviour in public: During Ramadan, local residents may be even more conservative regarding dress and behaviour in public. In many destinations – especially religious centres and rural areas, modest dress code requestedcovered shoulders and knees, and women often cover their hair in religious spaces. Generally, Culture during Ramadan emphasises modesty and respect, so visitors are also expected to adapt to this.
Inform passengers what they can expect and how to behave; most will gladly accept cultural differences when they understand them. Ramadan is no reason to avoid destinations – on the contrary, it can be a particularly rich experience for visitors, with a little help from tourism professionals. With clear communication and a few organisational adjustments, ...the organisation shouldn't be a big problem, and guests will leave satisfied, taking home unique memories.
Good luck with your Ramadan arrangements and – Happy Ramadan. To everyone celebrating!
