14 | JULY-AUGUST 2022
Strengthening Islamic Tourism values
ITC and USIM collaborate to develop talents and expand knowledge
ISLAMIC Tourism Centre ( ITC ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU ) with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia ( USIM ) on cooperation to share the goal of developing talents , expanding knowledge and information of tourism within Malaysia ’ s Islamic Tourism landscape and relevant fields . The signing occurred during ITC ’ s inaugural Islamic Tourism Week ( ITW ) at Zenith Hotel , Putrajaya , on June 24 , 2022 .
Dato ’ Dr Mohmed Razip Hasan , Director-General of Islamic
Tourism Centre ( ITC ), signed the MOU on behalf of ITC while USIM was represented by Prof Ts Dr Sharifudin Md . Shaarani , Deputy Vice-Chancellor ( Research & Innovation ) USIM .
During the signing , both parties agreed to share expertise and knowledge to advance Islamic Tourism-related training , research , module development , standards development , develop publicity materials on tourism , joint organisation of meetings , conventions and seminars , and other areas in the Islamic Tourism sector .
Dato ’ Dr Mohmed Razip said : “ As the Islamic Tourism sector in Malaysia continues to expand , there is an urgent need for experienced and skilful talents to meet the growing demand . This strategic collaboration is in keeping with the two parties ’ shared interests in promoting the range , quality and value of Islamic Tourism and raising awareness of the niche market among crucial tourism stakeholders .
ITC will continue to share our expertise and research with the industry , and this memorandum certainly will boost linkages between the sector and academia for a well-trained workforce and leadership in the future .”
Sharifuddin said : “ Islamic Tourism as a concept has been used with different names and connotations in the tourism theory and practice . Halal tourism , Sharia ’ h Tourism and Muslim-friendly tourism are the most common terms used alternatively . In USIM , we offered a specific academic program about Islamic Tourism . The curriculum structures and the courses designed in this programme cover the equal elements of naqli and aqli in management and tourism . The delivery of knowledge and theories and the inculcation of related skills in each of the courses are expected to develop skilful future talents in management and tourism .”
Under the MOU , both parties will jointly develop and implement the “ 3u1i Study Mode ” programme in the management and administration of Islamic Tourism and other relevant fields . “ 3u1i Study Mode ” is a programme to ensure graduates are truly job-ready by acquiring the necessary theoretical and practical experience .
The partnership between ITC and USIM follows Malaysia ’ s impressive results in being ranked first in the list of best Muslim-friendly holiday destinations , according to the MasterCard- CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index ( GMTI ) 2022 . — R & R
ITC ’ s seminar on Global Muslim Travel Index 2022 for Malaysia ’ s tourism industry players
ISLAMIC Tourism Centre ( ITC ) presented the Islamic Tourism Centre , MasterCard and Crescentrating Seminar on the Global Muslim Travel Index ( GMTI ) 2022 held at Mardhiyyah Hotel and Suites , Shah Alam on July 14 .
ITC hosted the seminar to provide industry practitioners and stakeholders with insights into the steadfast growth of Islamic Tourism and to showcase Malaysia ’ s advantage in leveraging the Islamic Tourism ecosystem towards sustainable tourism development .
Dato ’ Dr Mohmed Razip Hasan , Director General , Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) said : “ Malaysia has consistently ranked number 1 in the MasterCard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index ( GMTI ) since its launch in 2015 until the most recent one in 2022 . This seminar is held to inspire more of Malaysia ’ s tourism industry players to see Islamic Tourism as a sustainable and profitable sector . We also want to share why and how our industry players can leverage on this recognition .”
He added : “ Malaysia ’ s achievement in GMTI 2022 proves that Malaysia has a strong foundation in Islamic Tourism . We hope that more Malaysia tourism industry players will see the potential of the Muslim tourist market and pivot their products and services to meet this market ’ s needs . I believe this is what ’ s needed for our tourism industry to rebuild itself after the pandemic , and I would encourage more tourism industry players to also focus on the Muslim tourist market as they strategise for recovery .”
The seminar was joined by industry practitioners and stakeholders , including travel agencies , hotels , spas , tourism associations , officials , and many more who wanted to understand the potential of Islamic Tourism and to invest their knowledge , effort and capital on these burgeoning markets .
A variety of interesting topics were addressed by the panel of speakers including ; GMTI Overview , GMTI 2022 & ACES Framework , CES “ Communications ” – Success Stories , ACES “ Services ” - Success Stories , and GMTI Panel Session .
Besides celebrating Malaysia ’ s win as “ Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year ( OIC )”, the seminar also gave recognition to the other Malaysian recipients of the Halal in Travel Awards , namely Mardhiyyah Hotel and Suites ( for “ Muslim-Friendly Hotel of the Year ”), Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre ( for “ Muslimfriendly Convention & Exhibition Centre of The Year ”), and Datuk Mohd Ilyas Zainol Abidin , Executive Chairman , Ample Prospects Sdn Bhd ( for “ Halal Hotel Pioneer ”).
Next , the grand launching of Mardhiyyah Hotel and Suites was officiated by Dato ’ Sri Nancy Shukri , Minister of Tourism , Arts and Culture Malaysia . Mardhiyyah Hotel and Suites , which took home the “ Muslim-friendly Hotel of the Year Award ” at the Halal in Travel Awards , is also a Platinum-ranked Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Recognition ( MFAR ) hotel certified by ITC .