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• Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) was established upon appointment by the Cabinet on 20 February 2009 .
• ITC was officially launched on 16 March 2009 at Masjid Al-Azim , Melaka , and registered on 22 June 2009 under the Companies Act 1965 .
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2011 |
• The study on the Islamic Tourism Blueprint was completed and presented to the Ministry of Tourism , Arts and Culture ( MOTAC ).
• Developed the Muslim-Friendly Hospitality Services ( MFHS ) Standard MS2610:2015 with the Department of Standards Malaysia ( DSM ), whereby ITC was part of the working committee , applying International Organisation for Standardisation ( ISO ) principles to adapt to the Malaysian environment .
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• Malaysia ranked as the No . 1 destination in the MasterCard-Crescent Rating Ramadan Travel Report 2016 , highlighting its appeal during Ramadan . |
2017 |
2014 |
ABDUL Rahman Shaari served as the Director-General of Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) from 2011 to 2013 . He noted that research , information sharing via forums and seminars , and the development of standards are some of the most enduring contributions ITC has made . He recalled his memorable moments delivering presentations on ‘ Islamic Tourism in Malaysia ’ in Surabaya , Indonesia , and Hatyai , Thailand . “ We were honoured to be invited to talk about Islamic tourism and the respect and recognition accorded to ITC as a leader in Islamic tourism ,” Abdul Rahman elaborated .
“ ITC provides the formal structure to respond to a rapidly growing travel movement fueled by the increasing number of Muslims who can afford to travel . It initiated research into Islamic tourism , and based on this research , a blueprint for Islamic tourism in Malaysia was produced . I am pleased to see that this blueprint has been improved over time .”
As ITC celebrates its 15th anniversary , Abdul Rahman Shaari shared his vision for its future . He noted that as the world increasingly seeks information online , ITC could enhance its dissemination efforts by showcasing a broader range of tourism products and services . He also suggested incorporating other foreign languages such as Bahasa Indonesia , Arabic , and Urdu in the efforts , to better engage these markets .
“ ITC must maintain its leadership in Islamic tourism by either developing new products or assisting state governments in building
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ITC must maintain its leadership in Islamic tourism by either developing new products or assisting state governments in building new ones ; otherwise , the industry will stagnate .”
– Abdul Rahman Shaari
new ones ; otherwise , the industry will stagnate .
“ Malaysia has set the standard for halal certification , and now is the perfect time to enhance this position by establishing the world ’ s first halal museum , where foreign delegations and tourists can learn about halal and its benefits and implications .”
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ZULKIFLY Md Said , former Director-General of the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) from 2013 to 2018 , highlighted the importance of relationships in the tourism sector . He spent five years at ITC , during which time he developed many fond memories and good working relationships . He recalled that one notable memory was organising the inaugural National Imam Round Table Conference in 2016 at the Pullman Hotel in Putrajaya . Collaborating with JAKIM , the goal of the conference was to raise awareness about Muslim-friendly tourism and engage imams , whose support was crucial .
“ We received feedback about foreign tourists and local non-Muslims being curious about mosques . They often wondered if they were allowed to enter and what activities were taking place ,” he explained .
“ I vividly remember an imam , dressed in a sarong and a simple shirt , thanking me at the registration counter . It was his first time staying in a hotel , and he was genuinely grateful for the experience .
“ By the end of the event , many imams had their perceptions changed . They began to understand the role of mosques in Muslimfriendly tourism and started their own initiatives , including creating brochures in various languages and setting up small Islamic tourism units in the mosques .”
He believes ITC has successfully promoted Muslim-friendly tourism , earning support from Malaysia ’ s tourism stakeholders despite initial scepticism .
“ Congratulations to ITC ! I hope there will be many more anniversary
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We received feedback about foreign tourists and local non- Muslims being curious about mosques . They often wondered if they were allowed to enter and what activities were taking place .”
– Zulkifly Md Said
celebrations in the future . The goal is to keep Malaysia ’ s name out there and to continue flying the flag high and proudly , and when it comes to Muslim-friendly tourism , people will consistently look for Malaysia .”
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