ISLAMIC TOURISM Centre ( ITC ) is delighted to announce the appointment of Nizran Noordin as its new Director- General , effective July 10 , 2023 . With over 23 years of experience driving transformational growth , Nizran ’ s extensive background includes working for a diversified Malaysian conglomerate , a career in investment banking , entrepreneurial experience in the technology space , state government administration and leading a public-listed company .

Nizran was formerly the Group CEO / Executive Director of Majuperak Holdings Berhad ,

THE ISLAMIC Tourism Centre ( ITC ) unveiled the ITC Organisational Anti- Corruption Plan 2023-2027 ( ITC OACP ), which was developed in collaboration with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission ( MACC ) and Malaysian Institute of Integrity ( IIM ).

The initiative reflects ITC ’ s support for the Ministry of Tourism , Arts & Culture ’ s ( MOTAC ) goal to establish Malaysia and its ministry as an anti-corrupt organisation . It also stands for ITC ’ s commitment to becoming a better organisation that cultivates good governance , promotes integrity and is corruption-free , conforming with the Government ’ s anti-corruption agenda through the National Anti- Corruption Plan ( NACP ).

On launching the ITC OACP 2023-2027 , YBhg . Datuk Hajah Saraya Arbi , Secretary- General of MOTAC , said : “ The collective efforts of all organisations towards the sole goal of fighting corruption is to support the Malaysian Government ’ s aspiration to ensure a fairer and more equitable

CARRYING THE responsibility for developing Malaysia ’ s Islamic Tourism industry , Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) kicked off a nationwide roadshow to engage with more tourism industry players in sharpening Malaysia ’ s appeal as a Muslim-friendly tourism destination .

With Muslim travel gaining traction and estimated to be worth US $ 225 billion globally by 2028 , ITC is keen for more tourism industry players to develop , brand and market themselves within the Muslim-friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) ecosystem .

Towards this end , ITC has initiated

a public-listed company controlled by

Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak which is involved in property development , facilities management , and renewable energy business .

With Nizran ’ s extensive corporate and business background , he has been entrusted to lead ITC to greater heights through transformational initiatives that capitalise on Muslim- Friendly Tourism and Hospitality , which is expected to be worth US $ 225 billion globally by 2028 . This includes assisting the Minister and Deputy Minister of Tourism , Arts and Culture in developing Malaysia as an Umrah hub .

management of the country , resulting in a prosperous nation and people .”

She added : “ As the leading agency for the development of Islamic Tourism in Malaysia , integrity , transparency , and trust are among the core values that ITC prioritises . This is important considering that ITC often deals with the public and foreign parties , promoting Malaysia ’ s positive image on a global scale .”

various training and recognition programmes , which include the Muslim- Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR ), the Islamic Tourism Entrepreneurship and Leadership Seminar ( ITELS ), Muslim- Friendly Tourist Guide ( MFTG ), Islamic Tourism Writers Workshop ( ITWW ), and Mosque Visit Guide ( MOSVI ) Training Programme .

Collaborating with State tourism boards and State religious affairs councils , ITC ' s nationwide tour includes Perak , Negeri Sembilan , Pahang and more until year-end .

JULY-AUGUST , 2023 | 03

THE MALAYSIA Tourism Promotion Board ( Tourism Malaysia ) announced the appointment of Dato ’ Dr Ammar Abd Ghapar as the new Director-General of Tourism Malaysia , effective April 12 , 2023 . With a PhD in Hotel and Tourism Management and a Master of Business Administration ( MBA ) from Universiti Teknologi MARA ( UiTM ), Ammar previously served as the Senior Director of the International Promotion Division ( America , Europe , and Oceania ). Having served in the public service for 35 years , he was entrusted with various roles , including Senior Management Director and leading the Strategic Planning Division and the Domestic & Events Division of Tourism Malaysia .

AMIDST THE easing of the global pandemic and Taiwan ’ s reopening of borders , the Tourism Bureau , along with several counties and towns , are actively engaged in robust marketing efforts to entice more foreign tourists .

To enhance Tainan City ’ s presence in the Muslim travel market , the Tourism Bureau of the Tainan City Government has established a Muslimfriendly tourism environment . This involves compiling a dedicated list of Tainan shops that have obtained halal certification .

Tainan City ’ s renowned culinary

ACCORDING TO the Department of Tourism ( DoT ) of the Philippines , there is a need for more establishments in the country that offer halal-friendly food and services to attract the growing global Muslim travel market , projected to spend around US $ 225 billion by 2028 .

Tourism Secretary Christina G . Frasco emphasised the potential of halal tourism but acknowledged that further development was required in the Philippines . The DoT stressed

QATAR AIRWAYS has announced a partnership with Tourism Malaysia to promote Malaysia as a tourist destination and provide flight offers to travellers from Saudi Arabia , Kuwait , the United Arab Emirates , and Oman .

Qatar Airways Holidays recently launched limited-time travel packages for travellers from Qatar to plan unforgettable holidays to Kuala Lumpur with incredible savings and exclusive offers .

and historical attractions appeal to many Muslim tourists worldwide . Furthermore , the Tainan City Government is fervently promoting halal certification and encouraging tourism that welcomes Muslim visitors , ensuring their safety and enabling them to savour delightful meals .

The Tourism Bureau has already verified 19 businesses as halal-certified . The historic Taiwanese capital anticipates increased commercial opportunities and development by cultivating a Muslim-friendly atmosphere .

that achieving a larger share of the halal tourism market would require nationwide support , extending beyond Mindanao , the region with the highest Muslim population in the country .

Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar highlighted the importance of places that understand and incorporate the basic concepts of halal , beyond just food , as a vital aspect of the Islamic faith to attract more Muslim travellers to the Philippines .

Malaysia is an excellent destination for travellers seeking adventure , culture , and relaxation . With its stunning natural landscapes , rich history , and vibrant cities , Malaysia is a versatile destination with something to offer everyone .

Allowing more travellers to experience Malaysia , there are currently three daily flights between Doha ’ s stateof-the-art airport , Hamad International Airport ( HIA ), to Kuala Lumpur International Airport ( KUL ). — R & R