July-August. 2025
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CONTENTS
MESSAGE BY
MADAM NUR ALYSSA CORALINE YUSSIN Director, Research and Training / Acting Director-General, Islamic Tourism Centre
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ASSALAMUALAIKUM warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. With gratitude, we welcome another meaningful milestone. For the 10th year, Malaysia has once again been named the top Muslimfriendly destination( OIC) in the Global Muslim Travel Index( GMTI) by CrescentRating and Mastercard. For over a decade, Malaysia has been recognised through the collective efforts of our industry and authorities, who have nurtured this space with care and purpose.
The report illuminates Malaysia’ s inclusive approach, offering comfort and access to multigenerational travellers and those with varied mobility needs. It also highlights Malaysia as a preferred destination for women travellers, reflecting our commitment to safety and hospitality.
The global Muslim travel market is forecast to reach 245 million international arrivals and US $ 235 billion by 2030. These projections present growing opportunities for meaningful connections, cultural appreciation and economic growth.
Our mosques remain among Malaysia’ s most cherished destinations. Their architecture, stories and presence continue to inspire admiration and peace. At ITC, we value their role in tourism and remain committed to elevating them as places of encounter and learning. This year, we are organising the Mosque Tourism Roundtable( MTRT) in Kelantan- a state known for its rich traditions and majestic mosques.
We are also continuing the momentum with Mosque Open Day( MOD), to be held during Islamic Tourism Month 2025 from
August to September. Please join us for some amazing Muslimfriendly experiences during this time, encompassing halal dining, familyfriendly attractions, pampering wellness experiences, and more.
This issue offers a glimpse into our shared journey, one that honours h e r i t a g e a n d embraces the road ahead with hope, with highlights of notable mosques and key attractions in Kelantan.
Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin
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News Bites
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Kelantan’ s Islamic legacy The east coast state emerges as an icon of faith, culture and heritage
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A decade of excellence Malaysia retains the top spot for the tenth year in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2025
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Muslim Travel Insights 2025
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Faith and hospitality JAKIM encourages mosque readiness and more halal-certified offerings
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Spiritual splendour The 4th Mosque Tourism Roundtable in Kelantan sets the stage for deeper collaboration ahead of VM2026
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Masjid as destinations Mosques in Malaysia are evolving into travel-worthy destinations, uniting history, design and Muslim-friendly hospitality
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Laying the groundwork JAKIM drafts official guidelines to support the development of respectful and Shariah-compliant mosque tourism
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Faith and inclusion Masjid Sultan Iskandar sets an example of balancing hospitality, heritage and faith through mosque tourism
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Uniquely Malaysian Mohd Chan delivers authentic flavours with sincerity and a commitment to halalan toyyiban
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Bigger deals, better experiences ITM 2025 partners unite to offer exclusive promotions for faith-based travel