KUALA LUMPUR, 17 DECEMBER 2024: Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) proudly announced the latest recipients of the prestigious Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR). A total of 13 hotels and travel agencies were commended this afternoon for their outstanding contributions to strengthening Malaysia’s position as a global leader in Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality.
These establishments have demonstrated unwavering commitment to meeting the highest standards of service and facilities for Muslim travellers. Recipients, particularly in the accommodations category were awarded based on a tiered recognition system – Platinum, Gold and Silver – reflecting their commitment in providing Muslim-friendly accommodations, amenities and services.
ITC Director-General, Nizran Noordin expressed his congratulations to the awardees: “This recognition is a testament to the dedication and innovation of these organisations in delivering outstanding experiences for Muslim travellers. It aligns with ITC’s mission to position Malaysia as a global hub for Islamic tourism and hospitality. By embracing MFAR standards, these recipients are not only serving Muslim travellers but also strengthening Malaysia’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive travel destination.”
The 13 recipients honoured today represent Malaysia’s diverse offerings in the Islamic Tourism sector. This milestone event also makes history as the first batch of travel agencies is inducted into the esteemed ranks of MFAR recipients. This brings the total to 40 MFAR providers across the accommodation and travel agent categories.
The MFAR Plaque Presentation Ceremony was held at the Islamic Tourism Month (ITM) 2024 Industry Appreciation High Tea at Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur, marking the conclusion of the celebration of Malaysia’s Muslim-friendly tourism growth. The ceremony was graced by YBhg. Dato’ Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, Deputy Secretary General (Management) of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), who presented the plaques and certificates, officially to the newest additions to MFAR.
The MFAR initiative ensures that establishments like hotels meet several key criteria, such as halal-certified food and beverages, prayer facilities and services that respect Islamic principles. It showcases ITC’s continuous efforts to elevate Malaysia’s Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem, setting the stage to attract more of the RM1 trillion-worth Muslim tourist market as Visit Malaysia 2026 approaches with exciting opportunities.
List of the newest MFAR recipients:
NO. | HOTEL | SEGMENT | CATEGORY |
1 | HOTEL SERI MALAYSIA KULIM | HOTEL | GOLD |
2 | ROYALE CHULAN SEREMBAN | HOTEL | GOLD |
3 | ANCASA HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR | HOTEL | GOLD |
4 | KLANA BEACH RESORT PORT DICKSON | HOTEL | GOLD |
5 | TASIK VILLA INTERNATIONAL RESORT, PORT DICKSON | HOTEL | GOLD |
6 | LOTUS DESARU BEACH RESORT & SPA | HOTEL | GOLD |
7 | THE WESTIN KUALA LUMPUR | HOTEL | SILVER |
8 | SERI PACIFIC HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR | HOTEL | GOLD |
9 | ALMAZIAH MOBILITY TRAVEL & TOURS SDN BHD | TRAVEL AGENT | MFAR |
10 | YAHABIBI TRAVEL SDN BHD | TRAVEL AGENT | MFAR |
11 | RC TRAVEL & TOURS SDN BHD | TRAVEL AGENT | MFAR |
12 | GIT TOURS AND TRAVELS SDN BHD | TRAVEL AGENT | MFAR |
13 | MITRA KEMBARA SDN BHD | TRAVEL AGENT | MFAR |
END
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.
For further details, kindly email comms@itc.gov.my or the following individuals:
Anis Ramli, Corporate Communications Division, ITC at 012 321 9137
Nadhirah Aripin, Corporate Communications Division, ITC at 019 356 0530
Ainaa Izzati, Corporate Communications Division, ITC at 010 266 2535
Khairul Iman, Corporate Communications Division, ITC at 013 289 2609
Islamic Tourism Centre,
Level 13, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia
No. 2 Tower 1, Jalan P5/6,
Precinct 5, 62200 Putrajaya, Malaysia
Tel: 03-8891 7177 or via email itc@itc.gov.my
Follow ITC on these social platforms:
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