ISLAMIC TOURISM MONTH RETURNS ON 16 AUGUST 2024

PUTRAJAYA, 8 AUGUST 2024: Celebrating Malaysia’s favourable reputation as a Muslim-friendly tourist destination, Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is excited to announce the return of Islamic Tourism Month (ITM) from 16 August to 30 September 2024. The event will display the country’s charming concoction of tourism, culture, heritage, nature and lifestyle offerings through an extensive line-up of Muslim-friendly products, services, community activities and events nationwide, with attractive offers and special prices.

The soft launch of the event was officiated by His Royal Highness The Regent of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail at Hotel Seri Malaysia Kangar in Perlis last Friday, 2 August 2024. 

ITM 2024 promises a month-long roster of captivating deals, promotions and packages on Muslim-friendly products throughout Malaysia for Malaysian citizens, visitors, families, female tourists, entrepreneurs and tourism industry enthusiasts from all backgrounds. These span over the categories of accommodation, travel packages, mosque tourism, spa and wellness, attractions, events and exhibitions, seminars and training, healthcare tourism, shopping and retail, mosque programmes and food and beverages, all available online at www.itm.itc.gov.my. Crowd-favourites such as Mosque Open Day, restaurant discounts, staycation packages, spa treatments and more will be featured this year. Additionally, the ITM TikTok Challenge, which garnered over 1 million views in 2023 is anticipated to once again take centre stage with the hashtag #ExperienceITM2024. 

This year, ITM is set to spotlight Malaysia’s established Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) ecosystem, including facilities and activities attractively tailored for domestic and international tourists. Meanwhile for industry players, ITM serves as a platform for them to parade their best products and services to the coveted Muslim-tourist market. 

Adding to the excitement, ITC and ITM 2024 will also host the 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference (WITC) on 12 and 13 September at Sunway Resort Hotel alongside other training workshops conducted by ITC and its partners.  This presents a perfect opportunity to showcase Malaysia as a welcoming destination, with Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon.  

ITC Director-General, Nizran Noordin informed: “Malaysia is well-positioned to showcase an event such as ITM, thanks to our viable MFTH ecosystem and reputable recognition programmes such as Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) and Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide (MFTG). ITM benefits both consumers and suppliers, opening up business opportunities for Malaysians and enhancing tourism experiences with attractions that celebrate our culture and traditions.”

“This is timely as it meets the government’s aspiration to establish Malaysia as the Umrah Transit Hub of Asia, offering products and services relevant to the expectations and needs of the pilgrims and Muslim tourists. The economic opportunities are significant. We invite local and international organisations operating in Malaysia to participate in ITM as our partners,” urged Nizran.

Last year, 125 organisations came onboard as ITM strategic partners. Concerted effort between ITC and these esteemed partners resulted in a crescendo of promotions and deals of MFTH offerings showing off Malaysia’s diverse culture and tourism attractions, whilst introducing MFTH businesses as an avenue for income generation. This spread of experiences for tourists to enjoy solo or with loved ones, coupled with prospects for business growth will continue this year. 

Join the ITM 2024 Journey

Introduced as Islamic Tourism Week in 2022 as a marketplace for industry players to regain their footing in the industry in conjunction with the reopening of Malaysia’s international borders on 1 April 2023, the festival expanded and evolved into Islamic Tourism Month the following year, due to resounding responses from the masses and service providers. Malaysia’s continued top ranking in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) for the ninth consecutive year underscores the importance of ITM 2024, paying tribute to Malaysia’s harmonious society and the dedication of MFTH businesses operators. 

Therefore, ITC warmly invites Malaysian-based businesses to be a part of this vibrant celebration. Businesses in the listed or related sectors are welcomed to join ITM to gain their share of the burgeoning Muslim tourist market: