NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022 | 17
Sarawak steps up efforts to attract Muslim tourist market
Islamic Tourism Centre launched the Muslim-Friendly Tour Guide logo during the programme in Sarawak
SARAWAK tourism industry players are keen to leverage the growing Muslim tourist market . They are taking steps to meet the market needs through upskilling programmes with Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ), namely the Muslim-Friendly Tour Guides ( MFTG ) and the Mosque Visit Guide ( MosVi ) training programmes .
As a result , 27 tourist guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism , Arts and Culture ( MOTAC ) have been recognised as the first batch in Sarawak to be certified as Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guides ( MFTG ). They received their certificates and lapel pins from Datuk Hajah Saraya Arbi , Secretary-General of MOTAC , after completing a three-day MFTG upskilling training with ITC last September in Kuching . It makes the total number of MFTGs in Malaysia stand at 113 .
The MFTG training programme , introduced in 2017 under the Continuous Tourism Related Education ( CTRE ), equips guides with the skills and knowledge needed to attend to the Muslim tourist market .
The training , which is also supported by the Industry Development Division of MOTAC , was conducted by speakers from ITC , Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia ( USIM ) and the International Islamic University Malaysia ( IIUM ).
It introduces participants to the Islamic Tourism concept , Muslim tourist needs , the Malaysian Standard ( MS ) 2610 - Muslim- Friendly Hospitality , Halal and Shariah concepts , and effective communications .
In the ceremony held in Damai Beach Resort , Santubong , Saraya also launched the MFTG logo , which was designed as a lapel pin worn by certified tour guides to distinguish their unique market expertise .
MOSQUE VISIT GUIDE TRAINING
Sarawak ’ s interest in Islamic Tourism also saw several mosque administrators from the state attend another training programme organised by ITC – the Mosque Visit Guide ( MosVi ) training on Nov 7-9 .
The training was held to understand and leverage the burgeoning attention to the fascinating cultural heritage and historical attractions of mosque tourism from the public and tourists alike . The participants also received their certificates of participation .
The MosVi training programme involved briefings by ITC and USIM on various topics , including public speaking and communications skills , the history and roles of the mosque , etiquette of visiting mosques , and foundation in comparative religion .
Participants also went on technical tours of several mosques and historical sites in Sarawak to enhance their learning experience about Islamic Tourism and mosque tourism programmes .
ITC has always been active in helping the public and tourism industry players in
The launching of MFTG logo .
Abang Azahari Abang Zaidan ( President , Sarawak Tourist Guide Association ), Dato ' Dr Mohmed Razip Haji Hasan ( Director-General , ITC ), Datuk Hajah Saraya Arbi ( Secretary-General , MOTAC ), Norazman Othman ( Deputy Secretary-General , MOTAC ).
Datuk Saraya , Dato ' Dr Mohmed Razip with the recipients of MosVi certificates .
Sarawak to strengthen their Islamic Tourism ecosystem . On Nov 27 , 2021 , ITC and Jabatan Agama Islam Sarawak ( JAIS ), an agency under Majlis Islam Sarawak ( MIS ), held the first-ever Mosque Tourism Seminar in Kuching .
A total of 53 participants representing 15 mosques from all over Sarawak joined the programme to learn about the role of mosques in tourism . The programme was followed by a Mosque Trail Tour around Asajaya , Kuching and Sadong Jaya .
In addition , ITC has also certified seven hotels across the state with the Muslim- Friendly Accommodation Recognition ( MFAR ). The hotels are Pullman Kuching ,
One of the recipients of MosVi certification .
One of MFTGs certified by ITC .
Datuk Saraya , Dato ' Mohmed Razip with Sarawak ' s MFTGs .
Pullman Miri Waterfront , Hilton Kuching , The Waterfront Hotel Kuching , Grand Margherita Hotel , Riverside Majestic Hotel ( Puteri Wing ) and Riverside Majestic Hotel ( Astana Wing ).
With this new batch of Muslim-Friendly Tour Guides and Mosque Visit Guides from Sarawak , as well as the Muslim-Friendly hotels , Sarawak is playing an active role and showing strong potential as a Muslim- Friendly destination .
ITC sees the potential of Sarawak and Sabah to be well-prepared . Their leadership is crucial , especially in welcoming Muslim tourists in the region from Indonesia , Brunei and beyond . — R & R