News Bites

Highlighting sustainable Islamic tourism

The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) successfully concluded the 20th edition of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) short course, “Designing and Implementing Development Plans for Sustainable Islamic and Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH)” with a closing ceremony at Berjaya Times Square Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 21 May 2024.

Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia, this 12-day programme, held from 10-22 May 2024, welcomed 13 participants from Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Croatia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Mauritius, and the Philippines. The participants embarked on an enriching journey through Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor Bahru, and Melaka, gaining valuable insights and best practices in sustainable Islamic and Muslim-friendly tourism development.

The programme demonstrated Malaysia’s commitment to South-South Cooperation by sharing its development experiences and expertise with other developing countries. It also served as a platform to showcase Malaysia’s sustainable and Muslim-friendly tourism leadership.

Exploring Kazan’s Muslim travel market

On 13 May 2024, the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) explored Kazan, Russia, as a potential new market for Muslim-friendly tourism. Recognising Kazan’s sizeable Muslim population, ITC aimed to introduce Malaysia’s Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) offerings to this demographic.

In a series of meetings, ITC sought to understand Kazan’s market needs and engage with the local tourism industry to enhance collaborations. Key activities included participating in the 15th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World Kazan Forum 2024” on May 15 at Kazan Expo IEC and presenting alongside Tourism Malaysia at a roundtable discussion titled “Development of the Tourism Sector in the Russian Federation, including Halal Standards.” ITC also took part in the inaugural Malaysia-Russia Working Group on Tourism Cooperation.

Additionally, ITC held meetings with local Russian travel agents to share Malaysia’s positioning as an Umrah hub and to understand the travel trends of Russian Umrah pilgrims. These interactions enabled ITC to elevate Malaysia’s MFTH brand globally.

Penang joins initiative to enhance MFTH segment

Penang has recently joined the initiative to bolster its Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) sector, led by the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC). An awareness seminar was held at the Ascott Gurney Hotel, Penang, on
29 April 2024, marking the inaugural MFTH programme in the State. This seminar aimed to provide insights to tourist accommodations, spa and wellness operators, travel agents, and tour guides, enabling them to incorporate Muslim-friendly practices into their businesses.

Key topics included the potential of the Muslim tourist market, an introduction to ITC’s recognition programmes and the importance of Malaysia’s halal certification in MFTH by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia, Penang.

The seminar saw strong interest from Penang’s industry players, with over 60 participants attending.

On 30 April 2024, 28 Bumiputera tourist guides were recognised as Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guides (MFTG) at a certification ceremony at Bertam Resort in Kepala Batas, further solidifying Penang’s commitment to enhancing its MFTH sector.

ITC announces new appointments of Board of Trustees

The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) announced new appointments of its Board of Trustees, welcoming leaders from various fields to drive the organisation’s strategic initiatives. Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Dato’ Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman, has been appointed as the Chairman of ITC.

He expressed enthusiasm about the new team: “We are excited to welcome such experienced individuals on board. The newly appointed board would bring extensive expertise in driving strategic initiatives to strengthen Islamic tourism in Malaysia.”

The newly appointed board members include Datuk Professor ChM. Ts. Dr Taufiq Yap Yun Hin, Prof. Dr Khairil Wahidin Awang, Dato’ Muzammil Mohamad and Datuk Wira Mustafa Chan.