JULY-AUGUST 2022 | 05
Tapping medical tourism improving Malaysia ’ s Islamic tourism industry .
“ We have introduced the Islamic Tourism Strategic Plan for 2021 until 2025 . To get better results , we need to develop new ways of thinking along with further actions . So we have to challenge ourselves and also the industry .
“ Consistent with our slogan “ Enhancing Ties and Enriching Knowledge ”, we have come up with our publication , the Islamic Tourism Journals . We also have an Islamic Tourism Research grant to engage with universities . This will also help to create , expand and to share the knowledge on this industry ,” said the Director-General .
IMPROVED VERSION OF THE WORLD ISLAMIC TOURISM CONFERENCE
He pointed out that Islamic tourism was very dynamic where things changed quickly and were a fast-moving industry .
“ Because it ’ s a growing industry guided by actual data , we need contemporary studies to discover the market and consumer behaviour . These findings can help the industry in marketing plans because they rely heavily on the correct data and conclusions .
“ The interconnectivity between Islamic tourism and other Islamic business components makes it a unique market with many stakeholders involved . To enhance stakeholders ’ value , we have signed several MoUs ( Memorandum of Understanding ), including with some universities .
“ Subsequently , we are also considering signing MoUs with industry partners . We want to be balanced . Academic participation and industry players ’ expertise to make this work .”
Currently , the global Muslim population stands at 1.8 billion and is expected to increase to two billion . This alone is a primary indication of Islamic tourism ’ s potential and possible growth .
In tandem with ITC ’ s plans for Malaysia ’ s Islamic tourism ’ s further development , an improved version of the World Islamic Tourism Conference ( WITC ) will be held on Oct 17-19 , 2022 . The event will be the first physical meet after the pandemic , expecting about 300 participants .
“ We have received excellent response
IN discussing the Halal Industry Master Plan ( HIMP ) and how ‘ halal ’ is the core value and principle in Islamic tourism , ITC Director-General Dato ’ Dr Mohmed Razip prompted the discussion on medical tourism , which is not Islamic tourism but a part of Muslim friendly tourism and hospitality .
“ ITC has been identified as the lead agency , ‘ To champion Islamic lifestyle and Muslim friendly medical tourism .
“ In the Halal Master Plan , healthcare tourism has been identified as the critical focus area . When we talk about healthcare , we are also talking about wellness . For instance , spas and gymnasiums have become part and partial of the wellness sector .
“ We say this is very important for tourism even though we are talking about the HIMP because Islamic tourism will create the demand when we see more Muslim travellers , domestically and internationally ,” he said .
“ They would want to buy and to enjoy the services . The impact will be on the halal sector . When there is more demand and more consumption , for instance , in halal cosmetics , this will create more opportunities for the halal cosmetics manufacturer .
“ Similarly , when there is a demand for Muslim-friendly gymnasiums , there will be more opportunities for Shariahcompliant establishments . When we have the expectation and demand , it challenges the supplier . So , the demand is always there ,” he explained further .
In the pre-pandemic year 2019 , there were roughly 5.3 million Muslim tourists to Malaysia , and Mohmed Razip is confident that this number will double , leading to more significant demand .
“ So under the Master Plan , we can have pharmaceutical , healthcare , wellness , food , cosmetics and many more . We ’ re putting everything under one banner to turn it into Muslim-friendly products and services . It will give more opportunities to the halal
progress a n d growth of this trilliond o l l a r industry .
“ I would say there is a significant relationship between halal and I s l a m i c tourism . We need both ,” stressed Mohmed Razip . i n d u s t r y through the from abroad . We will have exhibitors from Malaysia , Asean and the international community .
“ For this year , we will add another segment where we will have conferences and exhibitions because we want industry players to be allowed to showcase their products and services .
“ Apart from that , WITC will also have academics , bankers as well as OIC ambassadors ,” Mohmed Razip said .
He highlighted that the other segments during WITC will be sessions with corporate leaders , a destination showcase , an education forum and two more critical elements - standards and certification .
“ In this segment , we will discuss Muslimfriendly standards for the first time . The MS2610 has been around for five years and is subject to review . So this is something for the industry players to discuss .” The other new segment will be a Youth Forum and technology ( digital ), which is in line with today ’ s demands and complements the active involvement of youths in Malaysia in this industry . — R & R