NOVEMBER-DECEMBER . 2023 | @ Halal

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Recognising the diverse contributions within this ecosystem , the Asia Islamic Tourism Expo 2023 ( AITEX 2023 ) organiser celebrated the achievements of 55 individuals and organisations at the World Islamic Tourism Awards ( WITA 2023 ), a ceremony held with the event .

This prestigious awards ceremony aimed to acknowledge and honour the significant role played by industry professionals and players in shaping the Islamic tourism landscape .

GLOBAL ISLAMIC LEADER AWARD

One highlight of WITA 2023 was the prestigious “ Global Islamic Leader ” award , bestowed upon Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad , Malaysia ’ s 4th and 7th Prime Minister .

“ Firstly , I would like to thank the organiser of this gala dinner held in conjunction with the World Islamic Tourism Award 2023 for inviting me . It is indeed an honour for me to accept the Global Islamic Leader award ,” said Dr Mahathir in his acceptance speech .

“ Suffice for me to say that given the rebound enjoyed by the tourism industry globally post-pandemic era , I am sure that Islamic-related tourism is enjoying such robustness as well .

“ When we talk about Islamic tourism , the first thing that comes to mind is offering Muslim tourists an opportunity to travel with comfort and peace of mind that what they consume , i . e ., halal food , easy access to perform their prayers , and not exposed to things frowned upon or prohibited by the Islamic teachings .”

However , he opined that Muslims who observed Islamic teaching would make good tourism operators . Good Muslim tourist operators will not only ensure that they provide halal food for the tourists , but they will ensure that what they consume is halal .

“ This means that the operator will not want to consume food bought by profit gained from cheating , charging excessively , dishonest deals , swindling or cutting corners .

“ If this is observed , a Muslim operator will not only be offering a Muslim tourist the best services possible but also for non-Muslims as well .”

Dr Mahathir pointed out the tourism and service industry was based on reputation and honesty , and Islam urges all Muslims to observe the tenets of Islam to ensure they attain them .

“ Of course , there are other aspects of Islamic values that , if observed , would make the world of Islamic tourism reputable and sought after not only by Muslims but also by the rest of humanity .”

ACKNOWLEDGING LEADERS AND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

At WITA 2023 , numerous other individuals and seasoned professionals who have dedicated considerable time to the industry were also recognised for their contributions . Deputy Prime Minister Dato ’ Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is among these esteemed individuals .

In a video speech , he thanked the Malaysian Association of Travel Agencies ( MATA ) for the invitation to participate in WITA 2023 and for bestowing the prestigious Islamic Tourism Ambassador award upon him .

“ I am fully prepared to dedicate my utmost commitment to support MATA in empowering the Islamic tourism industry . I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the recipients of the WITA 2023 awards ,” said Zahid .

“ I hope that the Islamic tourism industry will not only continue to flourish but also provide tourists with a variety of preferred destinations , contributing significantly to the overall competence of the industry .”

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia , Sandiaga Uno , was honoured with an individual award for his exceptional contribution to the Islamic tourism industry . The seasoned tourism industry player and former Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) Director-General , Dato ’

Fatihah Manaf ( centre ) receives the Best Muslimfriendly Tourism Journalist award .

@ Halal has been honoured with the “ Best Islamic Tourism Media ” award for its outstanding contributions to the Islamic tourism industry at the World Islamic Tourism Awards ( WITA 2023 ). The newspaper , known for its comprehensive coverage of the halal industry , has extended its reach through its dedicated Muslim-friendly tourism pull-out , Rest & Rehlah ( RnR ).

Revon Media ' s writer Fatihah Manaf received the Best Muslim- Friendly Tourism Journalist award . @ Halal is published by Revon Media .

RnR has consistently served as an invaluable source of information on Islamic tourism , featuring in-depth interviews and insights from key

World Islamic Tourism Awards 2023 .

Dato ' Noor Zaleha , Organising Chairman of WITA 2023 giving her speech .

Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was honoured with the Global Islamic Leader award .

industry players . This content has been instrumental in equipping professionals with the knowledge and inspiration needed to excel in Islamic tourism .

@ Halal has forged a close partnership with the Islamic Tourism Centre , collaborating to provide vital information to tourism industry stakeholders . This collaboration has been crucial in promoting and advancing the Islamic tourism sector .

Revon Media and @ Halal Publisher Kay Mathy said : “ We are truly honoured to receive the ‘ Best Islamic Tourism Media ’ and ‘ Best Muslim-Friendly Tourism Journalist ’ awards . It reflects our dedication

Performance by guest artistes .

Dr Mohmed Razip Hasan , also received the Best Leadership Initiative Muslim and Halal Market award .

Other WITA 2023 award recipients included Nurflix , Tourism Selangor , and Sunway Resorts and Hotel . These accolades represent their remarkable achievements and inspire industry players , motivating them to excel and contribute to the industry ’ s growth and advancement . –

Kay Mathy ( right ) receives the award on behalf of @ Halal .

to promoting Islamic tourism and serving as a trusted source of information for our readers .

“@ Halal has always strived to provide valuable insights into the halal industry and Islamic tourism , and this recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our entire team .

“ This award motivates us to persist in bridging gaps within the Islamic tourism sector , particularly addressing communication and promotion challenges . We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the World Islamic Tourism Awards ( WITA ) 2023 organiser and our dedicated readers and followers who have consistently supported us .”