MESSAGE FROM ACTING
Director-General Islamic Tourism Centre
ALHAMDULILLAH , we can meet again in another Rest & Rehlah to share with readers on critical updates in Islamic Tourism and the tremendous response Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) has been receiving from all industry sectors in favour of Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality .
This issue recaps our efforts in 2022 , during which we did extensive face-to-face outreach and training throughout Malaysia , particularly with Sabah and Sarawak industry players . Looking at their vigorous tourism recovery efforts post-pandemic , as well as their numerous cultural , heritage and natural appeal , we feel that Sabah and Sarawak are on the right track in stepping up to the needs of the Muslim tourist market .
Taking note of the increased interest in the Muslim tourist market , we also improved our recognition programme , Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Recognition ( MFAR ). It will ensure more inclusiveness and streamlined to ease and encourage the participation of more sectors , namely tourist accommodation , spa and wellness , medical facilities , travel agencies , transportation hubs , tourism products , shopping malls , amusement parks , rest services areas , and convention and trade centres . The programme is now known as Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Accreditation and Recognition , but maintains the existing MFAR acronym and logo for branding consistency .
Extensive stakeholder engagement was conducted to get the views and inputs from industry players in refining the MFAR guidelines . Seeing the overwhelmingly positive response from government agencies , associations , industry players , and corporations was heartening and inspiring . You can read some of their stories in this issue to understand their motivation to embrace Islamic Tourism and their amazing efforts to accommodate the needs of this market while prioritising sustainability , comfort , and safety .
We are genuinely excited about this new development and will be reaching out to share more about it this year . Look out for our announcements on our social media platforms .
It will be an exciting year of post-pandemic travel development , and ITC is ready to support our partners and industry players on their 2023 journey of recovery and success . Our focus remains on research , training and capacity building , industry development and standards and certification , information exchange , and consultation to prepare industry players for the next wave of tourism upswing . We look forward to hearing about your interest in the Muslim tourist market and hope to see you at any of our events and programmes this year . You may also reach out to us at itc @ itc . gov . my for any queries . As always , our utmost gratitude goes to our government and industry partners and all those within the larger Islamic Tourism ecosystem for being on this Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality journey with us .
Wishing you success , good health and abundant blessings always , Insha Allah . Thank you .
Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin
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P10
Johor ’ s rich Islamic heritage
The State launched the Johor Islamic Tourism Initiative to develop its Islamic tourism industry
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CONTENTS
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04 |
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P03
APAC NTOS maintains its global leadership in providing Muslimfriendly online resources
P04-05
Onward and upward
Islamic Tourism Centre remains committed to advancing the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality industry
P06
A safe travel destination
The growth of Islamic tourism activities stimulates product innovation and diversification , entrepreneurial opportunities , and job creation
P07
Islamic tourism in Borneo
Sabah and Sarawak show genuine efforts to become Muslim-friendly destinations
P08
Sabah ’ s vast tourism offerings
State positions itself as an ideal Muslimfriendly destination with its signature ecotourism attractions
P09
An inclusive tourist destination
Sarawak introduces Kuching Umrah Gateway Initiative to attract more direct flights into the State
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07
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09
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P11
Setting the benchmark
Standards Malaysia helps to boost competitiveness in the Muslim-friendly tourism sector
P12
A Muslim-friendly glamping experience
MFTH certification gives confidence to guests to enjoy an ethical glamping stay and outing
P13
A cosy rendezvous
PROLINTAS emphasises safety , comfort and cleanliness
P14
The Ibadah-friendly concept
Al-Islam Specialist Hospital a step forward for Muslim-friendly recognition
P15
Recognising Muslim-friendly initiatives
Relevant authorities should incentivise shopping malls to provide Muslim-friendly services and facilities
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