JULY-AUGUST 2022 | 11
Moving forward strategically
More investment and focus on Islamic Tourism are the way forward for economic recovery
BY FATIHAH MANAF
Recitation of the Holy Verses of the Quran related to tourism by Qari Muhamad Husaini Mahmur , Winner of ASEAN Al-Quran Recital Competition 2016 .
Dato Sri Nancy Shukri
ISLAMIC tourism has been steadily gaining traction in the past few years . As the top Muslim-friendly destination , Malaysia is setting an example to other countries that want to champion this segment of Muslimfriendly tourism by introducing various tourism products . To showcase Malaysia ’ s diverse
Islamic Tourism and Muslim-friendly touristic experiences , Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) presented the Islamic Tourism Week from June 20-July 3 , 2022 . It aims to encourage tourism partners to come together and rebuild the sector following the reopening of borders post-Covid-19 .
The Minister of Tourism , Arts and Culture Malaysia ( MOTAC ), Dato Sri Nancy Shukri , officially launched the inaugural Islamic Tourism Week at Zenith Hotel , Putrajaya . According to Nancy , Malaysia , as a pioneer of Muslim-friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) and as a Muslim-majority country , has all the advantages to leverage the Islamic tourism sector . With the country ’ s wealth of touristic , art , culture , food and heritage assets , Muslim-friendly facilities , products and services , Islamic Tourism can be the bridge that connects tourism and culture to everyone .
“ Insha Allah , it presents a solution towards a more resilient , inclusive and sustainable tourism industry ,” said Nancy , urging all tourism industry stakeholders to give special attention to and invest more in the Muslim tourist market .
MALAYSIA MUST WORK HARDER AND SMARTER
During the launch , Dato ' Dr Mohmed
Razip Hasan , Director-General of ITC highlighted that Islamic Tourism was not a threat but a new tourism segment and trends to balance the national interests in other components in the overall tourism spectrum . It demands recognition and support from policymakers , authorities , tourism boards , stakeholders , the media and individuals .
“ Yes , we have won many awards , but we must work harder and smarter to lead this lucrative segment . The market size is enormous , the tools are sophisticated , the returns are viable , and the impacts on a country ’ s social , economic and well-being are incredible , especially on arts and cultural developments .”
Islamic Tourism Week brought together ITC ’ s travel and tourism partners and government agencies from across the country to provide a window into the unique Muslim-friendly products and the industry ’ s value .
It was held over 14 days , with various nationwide satellite events and various educational , entertaining , relaxing and spiritual activities for locals and tourists .
The imaginative events and promotions
Dato ’ Dr Mohmed Razip Hasan
included art and cultural exhibitions , special accommodation deals at participating Muslim-friendly Accommodation Recognition ( MFAR ) hotels , self-development retreats , and attractive wellness packages at women-friendly spas .
Other critical activities during the week were ITC ’ s signature programmes , such as Seminar Kempipinan dan Keusahawan Pelancongan Islam ( Islamic Tourism Entrepreneurship and Leadership Seminar - ITELS ) in Penang and Terengganu , and a refresher course for ITC ’ s Muslim-friendly Tour Guides ( MFTG ). — R & R