July-August . 2024

The 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference serves as a platform for growth and inclusivity

Arts , and Culture ( MOTAC ), aims to foster connections and innovation within the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) sector .

A GROWING MARKET

The global Muslim tourist market is gaining momentum , driven by the growing Muslim population , which reached two billion last year . This surge has increased demand for Muslim-friendly products and services , positioning Islamic tourism as a significant force in the global tourism and Islamic economy .

Against this backdrop , WITC offers a platform to explore crucial questions : Who are the Muslim travellers , and how can industry players

appeal to them without alienating non-Muslim tourists ?

This year ’ s conference theme , “ Forging Connections ", emphasises the importance of mutual understanding , economic collaboration , cultural exchange , innovation , and sustainability .

The event will feature four key tracks : Understanding Muslim Tourists , Muslim-Friendly Travel and Community , Growth and Opportunity , and Inclusivity . These sessions aim to tackle various issues , including the needs and motivations of Muslim tourists , the role of standards and certifications , sustainable practices , and the promotion of Islamic heritage .

SHAHZAD YOUNAS CEO , Muzz App

“ With the Muslim tourist market becoming a strong force in the global tourism and Islamic economy , especially with the Muslim population worldwide reaching two billion last year , the demand for Muslimfriendly products and services is also growing .

“ It is therefore timely to consider some key questions about the new tourism landscape , and so the organising of WITC this year is a platform to spark new thinking around questions such as who is the Muslim traveller , and how could industry players win over the hearts and minds of the Muslim travellers while ensuring conventional tourists or non-Muslim tourists are not left feeling alienated ?”

Media launch of the 4th WITC .

MARTA FERNÁNDEZ MARTIN Director , Spain Tourism Board

OMAR DACOSTA Co-founder , Creed & Culture

A LEADING DESTINATION FOR ISLAMIC TOURISM

Malaysia ’ s consistent top ranking in the Mastercard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index ( GMTI ) for nine consecutive reports underscores its suitability to host the WITC .

The country has pioneered standards and service recognition programmes designed specifically for MFTH services , such as the Muslim- Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR ) and Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide ( MFTG ) programmes .

As Malaysia prepares for ‘ Visit Malaysia 2026 ’, WITC serves as a strategic initiative to position the country as a leading nation in Islamic tourism . The conference will showcase Malaysia ’ s commitment to the expanding Muslim tourist market and introduce potential collaborators and investors to its plans for MFTH expansion , including the Umrah Hub initiative .

ITC Director-General Nizran

Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan

“ With the Muslim tourist market becoming a strong force in the global tourism and Islamic economy , especially with the Muslim population worldwide reaching 2 billion last year , the demand for Muslimfriendly products and services is also growing .”

– Khairul Firdaus

Nizran Noordin

Noordin emphasised the significance of WITC for industry stakeholders .

“ As the region ’ s leading conference on Islamic tourism , WITC promises information-packed dialogues with renowned homegrown and international industry experts .

“ Malaysians , as well as tourism industry decision-makers , stakeholders and practitioners from across the globe eager to explore the expansive Islamic tourism sector and the US $ 225 billion-worth Muslim tourist market , are welcomed to attend .” – RnR

For more details and early bird discounts , visit witc . gov . my

ARIF MIAH Head of Strategy , Mud Orange

ALEX CASTALDI Chief Operating Officer , Sunway Hospitality Group