NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022 | 09
Muslim-Friendly Tourism Case Study
Improving tourism modules at
the university level
A comprehensive module helps youth to become excellent Islamic Tourism entrepreneurs
Dr Hisham Sabri
BY FATIHAH MANAF
AN important component which any industry cannot disregard is education . Significant preparation must be carried out at the university level to strengthen Islamic tourism so youth , especially tourism students , can further develop other exciting tourism products and initiatives .
Dr Hisham Sabri , Senior Lecturer at the Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia ( USIM ), said : “ There are many activities that have been done by the industry , especially from the perspective of the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ).”
“ One is the Islamic Tourism Entrepreneurship and Leadership Seminar ( ITELS ). This module is being created to introduce Islamic Tourism and the Muslim travel market . It entices the interest of
Muslim-Friendly Tourism Case Study
entrepreneurs to take part in this sector .” Hisham said ITELS would enhance the economic growth of the community and the country . It addresses how the government can help industry players to grow in the Islamic Tourism sector . He also mentioned ITC ’ s Muslim-friendly Tour Guide ( MFTG ) programme , which exposed young tourist guides to the opportunities they can gain from catering for the Muslim travel market .
INCLUDING THE VALUE OF ISLAMIC TOURISM IN THE SYLLABUS
He shared that the actual definition of Islamic Tourism greatly impacted the university . This is because it can transcend other issues beyond travel , including history , arts , culture , heritage , economy and education .
“ From this definition , we can see that ‘ Islamic
Tourism ’ significantly impacts the university modules - the exercises and the syllabus . When we talk about history , we need to look into what has been done through the Sirah an-Nabawiyyah ( history of the prophets ), etc .
“ When we talk about entrepreneurship , it relates to how we develop the business , manage finance , market our products and handle stakeholders . These issues need the proper syllabus or way to conduct the body of knowledge . It is some of the improvement we can try to improve at the university level ,” Hisham said , adding that more Islam Tourism courses may encourage more engagement with the industry .
With all these engagements with the industry , students or university graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and practical experience needed . Additionally , improved modules at the university level will help the university to produce high-quality graduates .
Hisham said Islamic Tourism was unique as it did not only help economic and soft skills development but would also reward people in the hereafter . — R & R
Cruising with peace of mind
Genting Dream will serve farm-to-fork halal meals from a certified kitchen
ALMOST every traveller dreams of experiencing a holiday on a cruise at least once in their life . Muslim travellers are no exception , except that not many cruises offer halal food . To let Muslim passengers cruise with peace of mind , Resorts World Cruises went the extra mile to introduce Genting Dream , an exclusive cruise ship with a halal-certified kitchen .
“ Resorts World Cruises is a brand new cruise line . We are very excited that our ship - the Genting Dream , is now homeport in Port Klang , Malaysia . We started four months ago . All Malaysians and international friends can board the ship from Port Klang and cruise to Penang , Singapore and Thailand ,” said Michael Goh , President of Resorts World Cruises Singapore .
“ This is the only ship with halal certification in many aspects of the facility onboard the ship . We offer halal cuisine in a specific restaurant . We have a halal kitchen and many Muslim chefs .”
OFFERING A FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT
Goh argued that halal was not just about food . It also covers other elements such as wellness , healthy living , sustainability , and being environmentally friendly . He highlighted that Resorts World Cruises puts great effort into realising those things .
“ For example , we will offer guests pre- and after-prayer meals during Ramadan .
Michael Goh
In addition , our spa uses environmentally friendly materials for treatment . Our medical centre has also made special arrangements for female Muslim customers .
“ When tourists come on board Resorts World Cruises ’ Genting Dream , they can see that we make many arrangements to provide an amiable environment to our Muslim friends from all over the world .”
The 18-deck Genting Dream can accommodate more than 3,000 passengers , with an excellent space ratio of 45 gross tonnes per passenger , the most spacious ship in Asia . With 1,600 crew , she will provide the best service with the most crew per passenger compared with any other in its class in the region . — R & R