Mosque Visit Guide (MosVi) Training Course enhances the Islamic tourism experience
Mosque tourism is a thriving segment within Islamic tourism, offering immense potential for cultural exploration and spiritual experiences. With their historical significance and architectural beauty, mosques attract visitors from various backgrounds.
Therefore, recognising the importance of mosque tourism, the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) joined forces to create a comprehensive training module for the Mosque Visit Guide (MosVi) Training Course.
On Sept 1, 2022, ITC and the module developer from USIM had a workshop and discussion session at Movenpick Hotel in Sepang, Selangor, to refine and improve the draft module for the MosVi Training Course.
After the module was completed and ready to be implemented, Sarawak was chosen as the pioneer location for Mosque Visit Guide (MosVi) Training Course since a few mosques in Kuching, Santubong, Batang Sadong, Simunjan have participated in ‘Seminar Pelancongan Islam’ organised by ITC on Nov 27, 2021, at Pullman Hotel, Kuching.
The objectives of the MosVi Training Course are:
• To strengthen the basic knowledge of Mosque Visit Coordinators in the Islamic tourism industry;
• To improve the communication and interpersonal skills of mosque visit program coordinators; and
• To equip Mosque Visit Coordinators with knowledge of comparative religions as well as skills in programme management.
MOSVI TRAINING COURSE IN SARAWAK
The MosVi Training Course in Sarawak was conducted for the first time from Nov 7 to 9, 2022, at Pullman Hotel, Kuching. Thirty-one participants from various mosques in Kuching, Santubong, Simunjan, Sebuyau, and other districts in Sarawak attended the course.
Some modules in the MosVi training course include:
• Islamic Tourism Industry & Mosque Tourism in Malaysia
• Characteristics and History of Mosque Construction
• Role and Importance of Mosques for Muslims
• Etiquette and Conduct in the Mosque
• Art of the Adhan (Call to Prayer)
• Virtues of Salah (Prayer)
• Basics of Comparative Religion
• Field Visits
• Group Workshops
• Public Speaking Skills
• Communication Skills for Mosque Tour Guides
• Integration of Media Technology in Public Communication for Mosque Tourism
• Needs and Expectations of Non-Muslim Tourists
• Assessment of Understanding
On the second training day, the participants embarked on a fascinating day tour to explore several prominent mosques and Islamic tourism sites in Sarawak. Led by Bob Zakaria, a Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide (MFTG) in Sarawak, the tour covered significant locations such as Masjid Darul Hana on Jalan Tun Salahuddin, Masjid Darul Muttaqin in Kampung Buntal, the picturesque Batu Gambar in Sg Jaong, Santubong, Masjid Nurir Rohmani in Kampung Santubong, Masjid Jamek Negeri Sarawak, Masjid Bandaraya Kuching, Masjid India Bandar Kuching, and Masjid Al Ghazali.
This insightful tour provided participants with practical exposure to the diverse and rich Islamic heritage present in Sarawak, further enhancing their skills as Mosque Visit coordinators.
This MosVi Training Course will also be organised in other states, such as Perak, Sabah, Pahang, and Pulau Pinang. The programme is a testament to ITC’s dedication to providing world-class Islamic tourism experiences. Focusing on empowering Mosque Visit coordinators and enriching visitors’ understanding of Islam, the course sets a new standard for the industry. It contributes to Malaysia’s reputation as a leading destination for Islamic tourism.
— R&R
