SERI KEMBANGAN, SELANGOR, 28 JUNE 2024: In a significant move to strengthen the Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality sector in Malaysia, the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) and the Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the offerings of Muslim-friendly accommodation across the nation.
The MoU outlines ITC’s commitment to providing comprehensive training on Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) to MyBHA members. This initiative aims to guide MyBHA members on their journey to obtaining the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) from ITC. This recognition will affirm their commitment to catering to the unique needs of Muslim travellers, thus fostering a more inclusive and welcoming tourism environment in Malaysia.
En. Nizran Noordin, Director-General of ITC, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This partnership marks a pivotal step in retaining Malaysia’s position as a top Muslim-friendly tourist destination. By equipping MyBHA members with the necessary knowledge and skills through our MFTH training, we aim to ensure that Muslim travellers feel comfortable and respected throughout their stay in Malaysia.”
MyBHA, representing approximately 2,700 budget and business hotels across Malaysia, is well-positioned to benefit from this collaboration. Of this number, some 236 MyBHA members are already registered and rated with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, meeting the basic criteria for MFAR registration. This existing compliance makes them ideal candidates for further training and recognition in the Muslim-friendly sector.
Dr. Sri Ganesh Michiel, MyBHA National President, remarked, “Our association is dedicated to enhancing the quality and inclusivity of accommodation services in Malaysia. This MoU with ITC not only provides our members with the opportunity to elevate their standards and remain relevant in the market, but also aligns with our goal to promote Malaysia as a preferred destination for Muslim travellers.”
The training sessions will cover various aspects of Muslim-friendly hospitality, including Halal food services, prayer facilities, and other amenities that cater to the needs of Muslim guests. This initiative is expected to significantly boost the appeal of MyBHA member hotels to Muslim tourists, both locally and internationally.
The signing ceremony, held at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) during the Malaysia Halal Expo, was attended by representatives from both organisations and marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to enhance the Muslim-friendly hospitality landscape in Malaysia. This partnership is set to play a crucial role in supporting Malaysia’s goal of becoming the Umrah Transit Hub for the region and Visit Malaysia 2026.
About MyBHA
We are an Association registered with the Registrar of Societies under the Societies Act 1966 (Societies Regulations 1984) under the name of the Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) with the Registration No. PPM-006-14-01082001, which is responsible in representing and assisting licensed and registered budget and business hotels or resorts in Malaysia towards bringing/escalating all issues faced by our members to the responsible and relevant parties and/or agencies in enhancing the image of the budget and business hotel or resort industry under three stars in particular and the tourism industry in general.
For further details, kindly email mybhahq@gmail.com or the following individuals:
Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel, National President, +6012-7112888;
Mr Zamari Bin Hj Muhyi,National Secretary General, +6012-2315831;
Dato’ Hj. Khairul Shahril Bin Hj. Hamzah,Chairman Of National Islamic Affairs Bureau (MyBHA), +6019-6606869.
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 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 Unit, ITC at 012 321 9137
Nadhirah Aripin, Corporate Communications Unit, ITC at 019 356 0530
Ainaa Izzati, Corporate Communications Unit, ITC at 010 266 2535
Khairul Iman, Corporate Communications Unit, 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
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