04 2023 Recap
04 2023 Recap
January-February . 2024
MICA members participated in the 3-day Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide ( MFTG ) training programme organised by ITC .
ITC ' s presence in Xian , China . market . The event included a briefing on Malaysia ’ s halal certification by the Halal Management Division of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ), highlighting how halal practices seamlessly integrate with MFTH products and services .
The workshop featured insights into ITC ’ s recognition programmes – Muslim- Friendly Tourist Guide ( MFTG ) and Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR ). These programmes set industry standards and guidelines . Tourism Malaysia also guided participants on developing Muslim-friendly travel packages during the awareness seminar .
The workshop was a crucial component of ITC ’ s initiatives to prepare tourism industry stakeholders for Visit Malaysia 2026 and the growing demand for travel choices by the Muslim tourist market .
Subsequently , the seminar extended its reach to Borneo , covering Sarawak and Sabah on December 1 and 4 , 2023 , garnering an enthusiastic response from stakeholders in those states .
ITC also held an Islamic Tourism Roadshow featuring Let ' s Sembang Together programme and the Islamic Tourism , Entrepreneurship and Leadership Seminar ( ITELS ). Let ' s Sembang Together was held in Seremban , Pulau Tioman , Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur , focusing on MFTH and MFAR . ITELS was held in Seremban and Ipoh , with the participation of ITC ' s strategic partners namely Majlis Amanah Rakyat ( MARA ), Bank Islam and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation ( MDEC ).
MUSLIM-FRIENDL� TOURISM AND �OS�ITALIT� ASSURANCE AND RECOGNITION ( MFAR ) �ROGRAMME
In January 2023 , ITC held a groundbreaking workshop and expert review session at the Pulse Grande Hotel Putrajaya . Attended by over 60 participants , including key players in the tourism industry , such as hoteliers , spa operators , theme parks , transportation hubs , medical facilities , convention centres , and highway concessionaires , the workshop aimed to garner insights for the development of MFAR guidelines .
The MFAR initiative promises vast business opportunities for the tourism and hospitality . The programme extends its reach to small and medium-sized enterprises ( SMEs ), including homestay operators , resorts , and innovative accommodations ( glamping , capsule , houseboat ), providing them a chance to contribute to the advancement of the tourism industry .
ITC has expanded the scope of its MFAR programme from exclusively covering Muslim-friendly tourist accommodation premises to including spa and wellness centres , medical and healthcare facilities , travel agencies , transportation hubs , shopping malls , amusement parks , rest and service areas , tourism products and convention centres .
The guidelines for tourist accommodation premises are ready , and ITC expects to release guidelines for travel agencies and spa and wellness centres shortly . The agency will soon accept applications from travel agencies , spa owners and hoteliers seeking Muslim-friendly spa recognition , with plans to gradually introduce the MFAR programme ’ s remaining schemes .
MUSLIM-FRIENDL� TOURIST GUIDE ( MFTG ) �ROGRAMME
Two MFTG training programmes were conducted in 2023 . The first session was held from November 7 to 9 , 2023 , at the Premiera Hotel , Kuala Lumpur . This edition attracted the participation of 34 MOTAC-licensed tourist guides . The second session taking place at IDEAS KL Hotel from December 4 to 6 , 2023 . With the successful completion of these training programmes , Malaysia now boasts a total of 183 certified Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guides , spread across the nation .
ITC recognises that the Muslim tourist market is growing and that these Muslim tourists have specific travel needs when it comes to food , social interactions , and faith demands during their travels . Therefore , tourist guides , regardless of race or reli-
Muslim-friendly Tourist Guide ( MFTG ) Refresher Course at Zenith Hotel , Putrajaya .
The MTCP participants visited The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat as part of the MTCP Training Course in October 2023 . gion , must understand these needs to provide the best service and make tourists feel most welcome in Malaysia .
Upskilling programmes such as MFTG help ensure that Malaysia continues to deliver top-notch MFTH products and services to its Muslim guests and retain its position as a preferred Muslim-friendly tourist destination . The MFTG training programme welcomes MOTAC-registered tourist guides seeking to enhance their guiding services and tap into the vast potential of the Muslim market . This course empowers guides to address the distinct needs of Muslim tourists , elevating their capacity to deliver superior services . Muslim tourists , in turn , will experience a sense of security and assurance under the guidance of certified MFTGs .
The MFTG syllabus included an introduction to Islamic tourism and the Muslim tourist market and the necessary skills needed , including communication skills , itinerary development , and site visits to experience the MFTH products and services in Malaysia .
To be certified as an MFTG and receive the MFTG identification card , certificate , and lapel pin , the participants must sit for an assessment to evaluate their understanding .
ITC ' s 10th SEED seminar , “ Travel Through Islamic Lens ; Ramadan Tales ”.
Mosque Visit Guide - MosVi Module Enhancement Workshop .
T�E MALA�SIAN TEC�NICAL COO�ERATION �ROGRAMME ( MTC� )
ITC conducted a training course titled “ Developing and Managing Muslim-Friendly Healthcare and Wellness Tourism Destinations and Products ” as part of the Malaysian