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BY FATIHAH MANAF
THERE IS a high participation rate of women in the tourism workforce . The number of women travellers is also growing . Given this scenario , it was essential to making tourism safer , more inclusive , meaningful and sustainable . Minister of Tourism , Arts and Culture Malaysia ( MOTAC ), Dato Sri Nancy Shukri , gave her keynote address at the launch of the first Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) Corporate Forum . She said women were a crucial consumer in the travel segment . The minister also acknowledged women ’ s skills and contributions throughout history .
Organised by ITC , the ITC Corporate Forum is a series of knowledge-exchange sessions that leads meaningful discussions . The theme of the first forum was “ Women in Islamic Tourism Economy ”. It was a prelude to ITC ’ s Islamic Tourism Outlook Conference 2022 .
The forum began with welcoming remarks from Secretary-General of MOTAC Dato Dr Noor Zari Hamat , who is also the ITC
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Nancy Shukri
Dr Noor Zari Hamat
Dr . Mohmed Razip
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chairman . In his speech , he highlighted the impactful changes that women brought to the economy .
“ Their involvement in the workforce creates a balance to the equation because men and women complement each other , bringing forth innovative ideas , increasing productivity , and strengthening the economy , among others ,” said Noor Zari .
The session featured nine remarkable women of diverse backgrounds , namely Hannah Pearson , Anis Rozaimah Ramli , Raudha Zaini , Karen Loh , Emellia Sharif , Sri Anindiati Nursastri , Puan Sri Prof Dr Shariffa Sabrina , Jane Rai and Dr Rokhshad Tavakoli .
The speakers talked about various issues , including the Islamic tourism landscape and sports , sustainable tourism , luxury tourism , tour guiding and workplace .
Women in Muslim-friendly tourism
Pearson , the founding partner and director of Pear Anderson , emphasised the growing population of Muslims worldwide . This situation had resulted in the increase of Muslim-friendly tourism .
Pearson then shared the role of Muslim
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women in the Islamic tourism economy , stating that women made up 54 per cent of tourism workers worldwide .
“ They are really driving the tourism industry ,” said Pearson . However , she agreed that the Covid-19 outbreak had put their jobs at risk .
“ But the Muslim-friendly tourism economy is growing . It is strong . It is going to bounce back . And when people do travel again , it is going to be Muslim female travellers who would drive the economy ,” she added .
Luxury tourism for Muslim women travellers
Anis Ramli , an editor and founder of Halaluxe , talked about her experience as a female traveller and some luxury brands which catered to the needs of the Muslimah .
She shared about her opportunity to visit a brand called Soneva in Thailand . The luxury resort accommodated the needs of Muslim women who wanted privacy . Seeing her dressed modestly , the resort prepared a long bathrobe for her to wear during the spa session .
She said : “ Every guest had a dedicated
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