@Halal January/February 2024 | Page 23

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January-February . 2024

2023 Recap

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Two of ITC ' s signature recognition programmes to drive the MFTH ecosystem .
ITC Director-General Nizran Noordin in Beijing , China .
ITC ' s participation in the Sales Mission to Lanzhou , China .
ITC ' s fruitful meeting with MICA and their partners in Kunming , China .
MICA launched Muslim-friendly Malaysia packages in Kunming , China .

Expanding Islamic tourism footprints

ITC navigates 2023 ’ s Islamic tourism landscape by engaging stakeholders and hosting diverse initiatives
BY FATIHAH MANAF

MALAYSIA has been recognised as the “ Best Muslim-Friendly Destination ( OIC )” and “ Best Muslim-Women Friendly Destination of the Year ” by CrescentRating and Mastercard at the Halal in Travel Awards 2023 . The country also maintained its top position in the “ Best Muslim-Friendly Destinations ” chart in the “ Global Muslim Travel Index ( GMTI ) 2023 ” report .

These accolades affirm Malaysia ’ s global leadership in Muslim-friendly Tourism and
Hospitality ( MFTH ) and Islamic tourism in general . Over the years , the Ministry of Tourism , Arts , and Culture ( MOTAC ), in collaboration with the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ), has implemented various initiatives to uphold and reinforce Malaysia ’ s position as a top Muslim-friendly destination worldwide while actively advancing its Islamic tourism sector .
In 2023 , ITC pursued these goals with unwavering determination by engaging various stakeholders and hosting diverse initiatives . The agency also participated in various local and international events to further promote Islamic tourism .
MUSLIM-FRIENDL� TOURISM AND �OS�ITALIT� ( MFT� ) A�ARENESS SEMINAR
ITC organised a comprehensive ‘ Muslim- Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) Awareness Workshop ’ at the Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur on October 24 , 2023 . The event , attended by over 90 industry professionals , aimed to enlighten participants , including hoteliers , tourist guides , and travel agents , about the essence and potential of MFTH .
The workshop ’ s core objective was to foster a deep understanding among industry professionals regarding the unique requirements of the burgeoning Muslim tourist
The workshop and expert review on guidelines for the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR ) at Pulse Grande Hotel Putrajaya .
Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) Awareness workshop in Kuala Lumpur .
Muslim-friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) Awareness Seminar in Sarawak .