PUTRAJAYA, 26 AUGUST – Merging faith and business in tourism marketing, as well as bridging technological gaps in Islamic tourism sector, will be among the main discussion during the upcoming 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference (4th WITC) on 12 and 13 September 2024.
Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is thrilled to announce Omar DaCosta-Shahid, Co-founder of Creed & Culture, and Shahzad Younas, CEO of Muzz, will be delivering key presentations during the conference this year.
DaCosta-Shahid’s presentation, titled “Bringing the Non-Mainstream, Mainstream: Connecting Across Boundaries” focuses on innovative marketing strategies and the intersection of faith and business in tourism marketing.
DaCosta-Shahid, recognised as a Forbes’ 30 Under 30 personality, has made significant strides in integrating faith-based principles with cutting-edge marketing techniques. As a co-founder of Creed & Culture, DaCosta-Shahid has been at the forefront of developing marketing strategies that resonate deeply with the Muslim market, demonstrating how niche communities can drive broader trends.
In addition, Younas will join 4th WITC, with a presentation titled “Connecting Muslim Tourists in the Digital Space” where he will offer insights into how technology can bridge gaps in the Islamic tourism sector.
Under Younas’s leadership, the Muzz application has emerged as a standout in the digital Islamic economy. Recently named one of the Top 30 Digital Islamic Economy Startups by Dinar Standard, Muzz is revolutionising the way Muslim tourists connect with services and communities worldwide. Younas’s presentation will explore how digital innovations are enhancing travel experiences for Muslim tourists and addressing their unique needs through tailored solutions.
Apart from that, 4th WITC will spotlight key topics such as “Female Muslim Travellers: The Powerhouse Driving the Industry Forward”, “The Power of Food”, and “The Harmony of Islam and Sustainable Tourism”.
These topics align with the four tracks of this year’s WITC; Understanding Muslim Tourist, Muslim-friendly Travel and the Community, Growth and Opportunity, and Inclusivity, all aimed to further upgrade Islamic tourism experience entirely.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), chain businesses, corporate organisations, authorities across ministries and industries, and all interested parties are invited to join us and connect with the following diverse stakeholders:
- Government Officials
- National Tourism Organisations
- Travel and Tour Operators
- Travel and Tourism Associations
- Tourism Product Owners
- Tour Guides
- Hoteliers
- Theme Park Operators
- Entrepreneurs
- Airline Companies
- Restaurateurs
- Homestay Owners
- Academicians and Students
- Web/App Developers
- Transportation Providers
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Other Relevant Institutions
- Related NGOs
- Mosque Officials
Register for the 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference before 31 August 2024, to take advantage of a 50% early bird discount. The 4th WITC is also HRD Corp claimable for all eligible Malaysians and offers 3 Certificate of Tourism Related Education (CTREs) for industry players in related fields. Secure your spot now at www.witc.gov.my.
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About 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 endeavours 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.
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