The 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference serves as a platform for growth and inclusivity
The 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference (WITC), one of the region’s most prestigious gatherings for Islamic tourism, will take place on 12 and 13 September 2024, during Malaysia’s Islamic Tourism Month.
The conference, spearheaded by the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), aims to foster connections and innovation within the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) sector.
A GROWING MARKET
The global Muslim tourist market is gaining momentum, driven by the growing Muslim population, which reached two billion last year. This surge has increased demand for Muslim-friendly products and services, positioning Islamic tourism as a significant force in the global tourism and Islamic economy.
Against this backdrop, WITC offers a platform to explore crucial questions: Who are the Muslim travellers, and how can industry players appeal to them without alienating non-Muslim tourists?
This year’s conference theme, “Forging Connections”, emphasises the importance of mutual understanding, economic collaboration, cultural exchange, innovation, and sustainability.
The event will feature four key tracks: Understanding Muslim Tourists, Muslim-Friendly Travel and Community, Growth and Opportunity, and Inclusivity. These sessions aim to tackle various issues, including the needs and motivations of Muslim tourists, the role of standards and certifications, sustainable practices, and the promotion of Islamic heritage.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan highlighted the significance of the WITC in shaping the future of Islamic tourism.
“With the Muslim tourist market becoming a strong force in the global tourism and Islamic economy, especially with the Muslim population worldwide reaching two billion last year, the demand for Muslim-friendly products and services is also
growing.
“It is therefore timely to consider some key questions about the new tourism landscape, and so the organising of WITC this year is a platform to spark new thinking around questions such as who is the Muslim traveller, and how could industry players win over the hearts and minds of the Muslim travellers while ensuring conventional tourists or non-Muslim tourists are not left feeling alienated?”
A LEADING DESTINATION FOR ISLAMIC TOURISM
Malaysia’s consistent top ranking in the Mastercard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) for nine consecutive reports underscores its suitability to host the WITC.
The country has pioneered standards and service recognition programmes designed specifically for MFTH services, such as the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) and Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide (MFTG) programmes.
As Malaysia prepares for ‘Visit Malaysia 2026’, WITC serves as a strategic initiative to position the country as a leading nation in Islamic tourism. The conference will showcase Malaysia’s commitment to the expanding Muslim tourist market and introduce potential collaborators and investors to its plans for MFTH expansion, including the Umrah Hub initiative.
ITC Director-General Nizran Noordin emphasised the significance of WITC for industry stakeholders.
“As the region’s leading conference on Islamic tourism, WITC promises information-packed dialogues with renowned homegrown and international industry experts.
“Malaysians, as well as tourism industry decision-makers, stakeholders and practitioners from across the globe eager to explore the expansive Islamic tourism sector and the US$225 billion-worth Muslim tourist market, are welcomed to attend.” – RnR
For more details and early bird discounts, visit witc.gov.my
