The delegates of the Visitor’s Programme proudly display their certificates during the closing ceremony and farewell dinner.
KUALA LUMPUR, 17 DECEMBER 2024 – Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) honoured its strategic partners at the Islamic Tourism Month 2024 (ITM 2024) Industry Appreciation High Tea, marking the remarkable wrap-up of the month-long event at Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur today.
ITM 2024, which ran from 16 August to 30 September 2024, is an innovative event that showcases Malaysia’s diverse Islamic Tourism and Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) experiences to both local and international tourists. It was introduced by ITC in 2022 and has become a yearly event since. Deputy Secretary General (Management) of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), YBhg. Dato’ Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, graced the event on behalf of the Deputy Minister, YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, welcoming the 200 strategic partners in attendance. His presence underlined the importance of Islamic Tourism and the Muslim tourist market for Malaysia’s tourism industry.
“Islamic Tourism Month has become a platform for sustainability, innovation, unity, respect, and harmony within the tourism and hospitality sector, firmly rooted in the Government’s Malaysia MADANI vision. The demand for Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) products is growing, with Malaysia at the forefront. By 2028, the global Muslim travel market is expected to reach 230 million international arrivals, contributing USD 225 billion in expenditure, creating vast opportunities for innovation and growth,” noted YBhg. Dato’ Shaharuddin.
Throughout ITM 2024, the public enjoyed a variety of activities and special offers, including the highly popular Mosque Open Day, exclusive hotel stay deals, enticing offers in the wellbeing and spa scenes, and incredible discounts at Malaysia’s dynamic retail outlets. These initiatives have highlighted the rich cultural heritage and vibrant tourism experiences available in Malaysia.
The event featured deals and offers across 10 categories: Accommodation; Tour Packages; Spa and Wellness; Food and Beverage; Attractions, Events, and Exhibitions; Mosque Open Days; Mosque Programmes; Training and Seminars; Shopping; and Health Tourism. Each category provided unique experiences and value, ensuring that there was something for everyone to enjoy.
In conjunction with ITM 2024, ITC also successfully concluded the 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference (4th WITC) at the Sunway Resort Hotel, marking a significant milestone in the global Islamic tourism industry. Held from 12 to 13 September 2024, the conference convened thought leaders, policymakers, industry captains, and travel experts under the theme “Forging Connections.” The conference featured a series of insightful sessions and discussions aimed at exploring new trends and opportunities within the Muslim tourist market. The 4th WITC saw some 500 delegates convene over two days, with more than 30 local and international speakers and moderators leading robust discussions.
This year’s ITM also saw the return of the popular TikTok Challenge which garnered an impressive array of entries, each showcasing the rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes of Malaysia through creative and inspiring videos. Winners list are as follows:
| Placement | Name | TikTok Username | Prizes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Grand prize |
Mohamad Hakim Mohd Edris |
@Akim |
Total prize worth RM22,000, including a RM1,000 prepaid card and Umrah packages for two persons |
|
First Runner-Up |
Zainida Nor Afrina Mohd Zainuri |
@ZainidaNafrina |
Total prize worth RM7,200, comprising a RM1,000 prepaid card and a three-day, two-night package at Four Seasons Langkawi with flight tickets for two persons |
|
Second Runner-Up |
Nurul Shafina Jaffar |
@NurulShafina |
Total prize worth RM3,600, including a RM1,000 prepaid card and a three-day, two-night package at Tiarasa Escapes Glamping Resort Janda Baik for two persons |
Following the third triumphant run of ITM, ITC Director-General, Nizran Noordin expressed his gratitude to the strategic partners for their enthusiasm and support. He commented, “Their involvement has been instrumental in promoting Malaysia as a premier destination for Islamic and Muslim-friendly tourism. We look forward to more Malaysians signing up for the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) and the Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide (MFTG) recognition programmes to lure the sizable Muslim tourist market.”
“ITC is ever-eager to expand Malaysia’s Muslim-Friendly and Hospitality (MFTH) ecosystem and we invite the industry to come on board to pave the way for Islamic Tourism together,” affirmed Nizran.
About the Islamic Tourism Centre
Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is an entity under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia, tasked to develop the Islamic Tourism segment for Malaysia. It advocates for Muslim-friendly tourism (MFT) by offering research and market intelligence, training, industry development consultation, Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) services standards and recognition, and information exchange.
Malaysia was named the top country in the region in the MFTH sector by the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) Report 2022. The country also retained the top-ranked destination in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024, a position it has defended since the launch of the Index in 2015. Malaysia was also recognised as the Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year (OIC) and the Top Muslim Women-Friendly Destination of the Year in Halal in Travel Awards 2023.
In addition, ITC was named the recipient of the Strategic Business Alliance Award at The BrandLaureate World Halal Best Brand E-Branding Awards 2021. It is a recognition of ITC’s efforts and endeavors in formulating new strategies to meet the new normal of the business environment to ensure business continuity and sustainability, notwithstanding its role in developing and growing the Islamic tourism segment in Malaysia.
These recognitions are an added motivation for ITC to continue to strengthen its efforts in being a prime mover and leading institution to ensure Malaysia is at the forefront of MFTH.
#ITM2024 #IslamicTourismMonth #ExperienceITM2024 #DiscoverMFAR #myITM2024 #ITMTikTokChallenge2024 #IslamicTourismCentr #MuslimFriendlyMalaysia #MalaysiaMesraMusli #KembaraPenuhYakin
For media-related matters, kindly email us at comms@itc.gov.my or contact our media representatives at:
Anis Ramli, Corporate Communications Division, ITC (012 321 9137)
Nadhirah Aripin, Corporate Communications Division, ITC (019 356 0530)
Ainaa Izzati, Corporate Communications Division, ITC (010 266 2535)
Khairul Iman, Corporate Communications Division, ITC (013 289 2609)
Follow ITC and ITM on these social platforms:
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LinkedIn : Islamic Tourism Centre
