The Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) is a recognition awarded by Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) to tourism industry players and businesses that have fulfilled specific Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality guidelines. This recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of tourism businesses to address the concerns and needs of Muslim tourists, providing them with a sense of assurance and confidence. Recognition is a branding and marketing tool to promote your business to the Muslim tourist market.

Who can apply for MFAR:
The recognition has been developed for 10 business sectors namely;

Tourist-accommodation-2
Tourist Accommodation
Spa-and-wellness-2
Spa and Wellness
Medical-facilities-2
Medical Facilities
Travel-agencies-2
Travel Agencies
transportation-hubs-2
Transportation Hubs
Shopping-malls-2
Shopping Malls
Amusement-parks-2
Amusement Parks
Rest-services-areas-2
MRest Services Areas
Tourism-products
TraveTourism Products and Convention
Convention-and-trade-centres-2
Trantrade Centres

Why should you apply for MFAR:

  • New growth market
    The global Muslim tourist market is expected to grow, reaching an estimated 230 million tourists.
  • The Muslim tourist market is growing
    The projected global expenditures by Muslim travelers are anticipated to reach USD 225 billion.
  • Build a trusted brand
    Establishing Muslim-friendly branding can build trust among customers, particularly with hoteliers.
  • Geographically dispersed
    Beyond the Middle East, Malaysia attracts visitors from China and Indonesia, extending its appeal to the Muslim market across diverse regions, especially if there are challenges in other parts of the world.
  • High spending power
    Muslim tourists are renowned for their substantial spending and extended stays, with statistics indicating that visitors from the Middle East typically stay for around 10 days.

For Muslim travellers, the MFAR guarantees that the tourism operators’ kitchens and dining facilities have undergone rigorous certification by JAKIM, the authoritative body in Malaysia responsible for issuing Halal certifications.

ITC has meticulously developed three distinct categories within this recognition – Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each category is tailored to specific requirements and facilities aligned with the practices of Islam. This tiered approach ensures that businesses attaining the MFAR recognition not only meet the expectations of discerning Muslim travellers but also embrace the Muslim-friendly concept.

Silver MFAR Hotels

  • Provides information on location of mosques, Muslim-friendly tourist attractions, and Halal restaurants
  • Displays Qiblat direction and provides bidet, prayer mat, and Al-Quran
  • Has a surau/musolla with ablution facilities on the premises
  • Has a halal kitchen certified by JAKIM and at least one restaurant offering halal F&B

Gold MFAR Hotels

  • Provides information on location of mosques, Muslim-friendly tourist attractions, and Halal restaurants
  • Displays Qiblat direction and provides bidet, prayer mat, and Al-Quran
  • Has a surau/musolla with ablution facilities on the premises
  • Has a halal kitchen certified by JAKIM and at least one restaurant offering halal F&B
  • Allocates certain hours for Muslim females to use selected facilities (gym, pool, etc.)

Platinum MFAR Hotels

  • Provides information on location of mosques, Muslim-friendly tourist attractions, and Halal restaurants
  • Displays Qiblat direction and provides bidet, prayer mat, and Al-Quran
  • Has a surau/musolla with ablution facilities on the premises
  • Has a halal kitchen certified by JAKIM and at least one restaurant offering halal F&B
  • Allocates certain hours for Muslim females to use selected facilities (gym, pool, etc.)
  • Employs a Shariah Officer to monitor hotel’s shariah compliance

4 easy steps to apply for MFAR:

  1. Apply
    Fill up the official application form  
  2. Submit
    Submit the application form along with the requisite documentation to id@itc.gov.my 
  3. Get audited
    Upon approval of the application, an audit will be conducted to ensure compliance with the established standards.
  4. Get recognised
    Following a successful audit, applicants will be granted the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) certificate.
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