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January-February . 2025
News Bites
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ITC Announces Latest MFAR Recipients
ON 17 December 2024 , the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) proudly announced the latest recipients of the prestigious Muslim Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR ). A total of 13 hotels and travel agencies were recognised for their exceptional contributions to enhancing Malaysia ’ s position as a global leader in Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality .
These establishments were acknowledged for their commitment to upholding the highest standards of service and facilities for Muslim travellers . In the accommodation category , recipients were awarded based on a tiered recognition system - Platinum , Gold , and Silver - reflecting their dedication to providing Muslim-friendly services , amenities , and facilities .
ITC Director-General Nizran Noordin congratulated the awardees , stating : “ This recognition is a testament to the dedication and innovation of these organisations in providing outstanding experiences for Muslim travellers . It aligns with ITC ’ s mission to position Malaysia as a global hub for Islamic tourism and hospitality . By embracing MFAR standards , these recipients are not only serving Muslim travellers but also strengthening Malaysia ’ s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive travel destination .”
The 13 recipients showcase Malaysia ’ s diverse offerings in the Islamic tourism sector . This event also marks a historic milestone , as the first group of travel agencies has been inducted into the esteemed ranks of MFAR recipients , bringing the total number of MFAR providers to 40 across both accommodation and travel agency categories .
ITC Wins BrandLaureate Award for Excellence in Islamic Tourism
ON 16 December 2024 , the Islamic Tourism Centre ’ s ( ITC ) flagship recognition programme , the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR ), reached a significant milestone by winning the esteemed BrandLaureate Brand of the Year Award 2024 in the category of Excellence in Islamic Tourism and Muslim-Friendly Hospitality Solutions .
This accolade highlights ITC ’ s unwavering commitment to establishing Malaysia as a leading destination for Muslim-friendly tourism , enhancing the brand ’ s credibility , and building trust within the industry . The award was presented at a ceremony held at The Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur , with Nizran Noordin , Director-General of ITC , accepting the recognition on behalf of the centre in the presence of distinguished industry leaders and partners .
The BrandLaureate Awards celebrate brands that excel through comprehensive evaluation across various criteria , including strategy , culture , innovation , performance , and communication . This recognition not only strengthens MFAR ’ s standing on local , regional , and global platforms but also emphasises ITC ’ s role as a trusted partner in advancing Muslim- Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) solutions .
This achievement is shared with the industry players and stakeholders who have contributed to the success of MFAR , marking another key step in ITC ’ s mission to position Malaysia as a leading hub for Islamic tourism and to drive sustainable growth and innovation in the MFTH sector .
ITC Concludes a Month-Long ITM 2024
THE ISLAMIC Tourism Centre ( ITC ) celebrated its strategic partners at the Islamic Tourism Month ( ITM ) 2024 Industry Appreciation High Tea , which concluded the month-long event , at Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 17 December 2024 .
ITM 2024 , held from 16 August to 30 September , is a key event promoting Malaysia ’ s Islamic Tourism and Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) experiences to both local and international tourists . Introduced by ITC in 2022 , it has become an annual highlight . YBhg . Dato ’ Shaharuddin Abu Sohot , Deputy Secretary General ( Management ) of the Ministry of Tourism , Arts and Culture Malaysia ( MOTAC ), attended the event on behalf of the Deputy Minister , YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan , and welcomed 200 strategic partners .
Shaharuddin highlighted the growing demand for MFTH products and Malaysia ’ s leadership in the sector . He noted that by 2028 , the global Muslim travel market is expected to reach 230 million international arrivals , contributing US $ 225 billion in expenditure .
ITM 2024 offered a range of activities , including Mosque Open Days , exclusive hotel deals , wellness offers , and discounts at retail outlets . The event also coincided with the successful 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference , which brought together over 500 delegates and 30 speakers to discuss emerging trends in the industry .
ITC and Kyrgyzstan Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance Islamic Tourism
ON 28 October 2024 , the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) and Kyrgyzstan ’ s Department of Tourism formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU ) at the DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur . The MoU was signed by H . E . Maksat Usubaliev , Director of Kyrgyzstan ’ s Department of Tourism , and Nizran Noordin , Director-General of ITC .
The three-year partnership aims to harness the strengths and resources of both parties to promote and develop Islamic tourism products and services . The collaboration will focus on enhancing the capacity of local stakeholders while fostering cultural exchange between Malaysia and Kyrgyzstan , contributing to the growth of Islamic tourism in both countries .
ITC Wraps Up the 15th Muslim- Friendly Tourist Guide Training in Sarawak
THE ISLAMIC Tourism Centre ( ITC ) has successfully wrapped up the 15th Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide ( MFTG ) Competency Training held from 16-18 November 2024 at Raia Hotel , Kuching . The three-day programme was designed to enhance the capabilities of tour guides in Sarawak , equipping them with the skills to better serve Muslim travellers and cater to their faith-based needs .
The training saw active participation from Sarawak ’ s tourism stakeholders , demonstrating their commitment to adopting Muslim-friendly practices to improve the travel experience for visitors . – RnR