BY FATIHAH MANAF

AITEX 2023 , an international event aimed at promoting Islamic tourism , Hajj , and Umrah , was organised through a strategic collaboration involving the Malaysian Association of Travel Agencies ( MATA ), Malaysia International Tourism Development Association ( MiTDA ), Global Islamic Tourism Organisation ( GTO ), and Santai Travel . This event brought together industry players across Asia to collectively advance these sectors .

Representing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim , the Prime Minister ’ s Political Secretary , Datuk Azman Abidin , formally inaugurated AITEX 2023 .

“ As the Prime Minister ’ s representative , I would like to convey his gratitude and support to the efforts taken by MATA in organising AITEX 2023 . He appreciates and congratulates all participants in this event ,” said Azman .

Azman emphasised that the Hajj and Umrah sectors contributed significantly to the country ’ s economy , and it had the potential to grow further if it was adequately enhanced with the Islamic tourism segment .

“ With a large number of Umrah pilgrims , around 300,000 Malaysians every year , and 35,000 Hajj pilgrims , it is wise to develop Malaysia as a regional hub for Umrah and

Representing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim , the Prime Minister ' s Political Secretary , Datuk Azman Abidin , formally inaugurated AITEX 2023 .

Hajj and Islamic tourism . These figures have proven that Malaysia can manage and coordinate the logistics of Umrah and Hajj systematically and professionally .”

THE FIRST OF ITS KIND

MATA President Dato ’ Dr Mohd Khalid Harun described AITEX 2023 as a pioneering event , uniting various activities under a singular agenda . Its uniqueness lay in the organiser ’ s approach to blending business matchings to include both business-to-business and business-to-consumer interactions , in line with the technological change that transforms business management style at a speedy rate .

“ We connect trade buyers and sellers to accept these new concepts . Being an inaugu-

ral event , we gathered 55 local and foreign exhibitors from travel agents , hotels , financial institutions , etc .”

Among AITEX 2023 ’ s exhibitors were Nurflix , Mardhiyyah Hotel and Suites , Siti Khadijah and the Sarawak Umrah and Hajj Association . AITEX 2023 comprised of three primary components : AITEX CONFERENCE - This two-day AITEX conference featured professional panels from both domestic and international sources who were directly engaged in the haji , umrah , and Islamic tourism sectors . This AITEX conference is a crucial platform for tourism agencies , students , and university lecturers to gain knowledge and insights from expert panels . These panels comprised representatives from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia , Saudi Tourism and various other experts . AITEX EXHIBITION 2023 - The AITEX 2023 exhibition featured exhibitors from the Middle East and Asia . The AITEX 2023 exhibition provides a platform for domestic and foreign travel agencies to establish business networks in the Islamic tourism industry . The AITEX 2023 exhibition was also open to visitors to explore the services and sales of travel and Umrah packages presented by participating exhibitors .

The World Islamic Tourism Awards Night ( WITA 2023 ) - WITA 2023 was a prestigious event held in conjunction with AITEX 2023 to commemorate the contributions of industry players who have elevated the Islamic tourism industry to an international level .

As the event concluded , AITEX 2023 ’ s collaborative spirit and strategic focus on Islamic tourism left a lasting impression . The gathering has the potential to reshape the industry landscape , solidifying Malaysia ’ s position as a critical player in Islamic tourism . –