@Halal November/December 2024 | Page 38

10 WITC 2024

10 WITC 2024

November-December . 2024

Selangor ’ s commitment to Islamic tourism

THE success of the 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference ( 4th WITC ) 2024 was a testament to the Islamic Tourism Centre ’ s ( ITC ) vision , leadership , and meticulous planning .

Selangor Mentri Besar Dato ’ Seri Amirudin Shari extended his heartfelt congratulations to the ITC Director- General Nizran Noordin and his dedicated team , praising the agency ’ s outstanding efforts and unwavering commitment , which were crucial for organising such a remarkable event
Amirudin also reaffirmed Selangor ’ s alignment with ITC in its commitment to fostering and promoting Islamic tourism while elevating this niche market to a global audience .
“ While the State government plays a pivotal role in maintaining high standards of tourism infrastructure and ensuring the general attractiveness of our destinations , we recognise that specialised sectors require targeted expertise and strategic focus ,” said Amirudin .
“ For us as policymakers and state authorities , the 4th WITC is a crucial platform for understanding the evolving trends and challenges within Islamic tourism and for formulating strategies that address these dynamics effectively .” – RnR

Forging global partnerships

DURING the 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference ( 4th WITC ) 2024 , the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) solidified its commitment to advancing Islamic tourism on a global scale by signing three pivotal Memorandums of Understanding ( MoUs ) with key partners . These strategic agreements mark a significant milestone in fostering international collaborations and enhancing the Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem .
MoU signing between ITC and RusQuality ( Roskachestvo ).
MOU BETWEEN ITC AND RUSQUALITY ( ROSKACHESTVO )

RUSQUALITY , the national quality system of Russia established by the Government of the Russian Federation and accredited by the Federal Accreditation Service ( RusAccreditation ), carries the “ RusQuality- Halal ” certification , which includes the Muslim-friendly tourism marking . The MoU with ITC seeks to harmonise and align ITC ’ s Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR ) with Russia ’ s , promoting a Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem within the tourism industry .

This development is a result of the Ministry of Tourism , Arts and Culture ( MOTAC ) and ITC ’ s engagement with Russian counterparts at the 1st meeting of the Malaysia-Russia Working Group on Tourism Cooperation and Russia-Islamic World Kazan Forum 2024 in May this year , led by MOTAC Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan .
MoU signing between ITC and University Sultan Zainal Abidin ( UniSZA ).
MOU BETWEEN ITC AND UNIVERSITY SULTAN ZAINAL ABIDIN ( UNISZA )

ITC and UniSZA have a rich history of collaboration , beginning with their first joint project , a youth seminar programme held on 7 September 2015 , at the Gong Badak campus of UniSZA . Building on this successful partnership , this new MoU outlines several key areas of cooperation , including industry immersion for undergraduate students , joint workshops and training programmes , joint research and development projects , joint education programmes , and exchange of publications and academic projects .

This MoU aims to foster a deeper connection between academia and the tourism industry , enhancing educational and research opportunities for students , researchers , and industry professionals .
MoU signing between ITC and the Association of Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies ( ASITA ).
MOU BETWEEN ITC AND THE ASSOCIATION OF INDONESIAN TOURS AND TRAVEL AGENCIES ( ASITA )

THIS strategic partnership aims to promote Malaysia ’ s Muslim-Friendly Tourism & Hospitality ( MFTH ) ecosystem to ASITA ’ s extensive network of 7,000 members in Indonesia .

Under the terms of the MoU , ITC will facilitate connections between ASITA and Malaysia ’ s travel agent associations . This collaboration will enable ASITA members to engage with Malaysian travel agents who are well-equipped and eager to promote Malaysia ’ s MFTH programmes and initiatives .
The signing of this MoU marks a significant milestone in the efforts to promote Muslim-friendly tourism between Malaysia and Indonesia . Both ITC and ASITA are committed to leveraging their combined expertise and resources to create a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for Muslim tourists .