MoU with Institut Pengajian Islam dan Dakwah Sabah (IPDAS)
ITC joined hands with IPDAS to focus on human capital development in the Islamic tourism industry. The collaboration aims to enhance Islamic tourism-related programmes and curricula in tertiary education. ITC will provide training services to IPDAS’ academic staff and industry players, fostering a deeper understanding of Islamic and Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH).
Outcomes:
• Developing modules and curriculum for the ‘Diploma Pengajian Islam’ to be offered by IPDAS.
• ITC and IPDAS have co-organised the “Seminar Pelancongan Islam” on Mar 30, 2022, at Raia Hotel, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
• Ustaz Mohd Ikhwan from IPDAS was invited as the trainer at the Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide (MFTG) Training Course organised by ITC on Dec 5 to 7, 2022, at Grandis Hotel and Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
MoU with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
The objectives of the MoU between ITC and USIM are focused on sharing expertise and knowledge to advance various aspects of Islamic tourism. These include training, research, module development, standards development, and creating publicity materials in the tourism sector. The collaboration also extends to the joint organisation of meetings, conventions, seminars and other areas in the Islamic tourism sector. Another key focus of the MoU is the joint development and implementation of the “3u1i Study Mode” programme in the field of management and administration of Islamic tourism and other relevant areas. “3u1i Study Mode” is a programme to ensure graduates are truly job-ready by acquiring the necessary theoretical and practical experience.
Outcomes:
• Development of training modules for Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide (MFTG) Course and Mosque Visit Guide (MosVi) Training by USIM.
• USIM was invited as trainers and speakers for courses and events organised by ITC, i.e. MFTG Course, MosVi Training, MTCP and WITC.
• Volunteers from USIM assisted the ITC secretariat during the Launching of Islamic Tourism Week (ITW) on Jun 24, 2022, at Zenith Hotel, Putrajaya.
• ITC invited as member in USIM’s Board of Studies for its Bachelor’s Degree programme in management and tourism.
MoU with TUI
The MoU between ITC and TUI sets forth clear objectives to promote Muslim-Friendly Accommodations (MFAR) on the TUI website. The collaboration seeks to enhance the visibility and accessibility of these accommodations to a broader audience of travellers. One of the primary goals is to facilitate seamless digital and online travel bookings specifically for MFAR hotels.
Outcomes:
• Updated website with MFTH information on MFAR and ITC.
• Inclusion of the MFAR logo on the website.
• Creation of promotional posters highlighting Muslim-friendly holiday packages.
MoU with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA)
ITC and MATTA joined forces to strengthen and develop Malaysia’s Islamic Tourism attractions, services, and hospitality. The partnership emphasised intelligence sharing, research and development (R&D) on Muslim social, cultural, and heritage tourism products, and training and capacity-building activities. This collaboration fostered the exchange of valuable insights and expertise, laying the foundation for future initiatives that would contribute to the growth of Islamic Tourism in Malaysia.
MoU with the International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF)
ITC collaborates with INCEIF as an industry partner and evaluator for studies related to Islamic tourism conducted by INCEIF’s students under the Action Based Learning (ABL) programme. Their past research included; A study of Malaysia’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and how the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality industry plays its role in elevating the community and The Potential Use of Crypto-Currencies in Malaysia’s Muslim-Friendly Tourism Industry.
Some of their proposed future research are:
• A study on the perception and awareness of Malaysian Silver Hair on Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH)
• A survey of the Islamic Tourism ecosystem in Malaysia
• A study of Malaysia as the hub of Modest Fashion
• A study on the readiness of commercial airlines to become Muslim-friendly (Airlines in a study on how the tourism industry promotes Islamic Tourism/ Muslim-Friendly Tourism & Hospitality (MFTH) Southeast Asia)
• Muslim-Friendly branding; The opportunities and effects of using the Muslim-Friendly tagline for promoting services/ tourism products in Malaysia
• Turning culture, cuisine, and arts into Muslim-friendly attractions (specifically on UNESCO Heritage Site in Malaysia)
