MTCP closing ceremony at Berjaya Times Square Hotel Kuala Lumpur . |
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Highlighting sustainable Islamic tourism |
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THE Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) successfully concluded the 20th edition of the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme ( MTCP ) short course , “ Designing and Implementing Development Plans for Sustainable Islamic and Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH )” with a closing ceremony at Berjaya Times Square Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 21 May 2024 .
Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia , this 12-day programme , held from 10-22 May 2024 , welcomed 13 participants from Algeria , Azerbaijan , Bangladesh , Cambodia , Croatia , Jordan , Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Maldives , Mauritius , and the Philippines . The participants embarked on an enriching journey through Putrajaya , Kuala Lumpur , Selangor , Johor Bahru , and Melaka , gaining valuable insights and best practices in sustainable Islamic and Muslim-friendly tourism development .
The programme demonstrated Malaysia ’ s commitment to South-South Cooperation by sharing its development experiences and expertise with other developing countries . It also served as a platform to showcase Malaysia ’ s sustainable and Muslim-friendly tourism leadership .
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Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) Awareness Seminar in Penang .
Penang joins initiative to enhance MFTH segment
PENANG has recently joined the initiative to bolster its Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) sector , led by the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ). An awareness seminar was held at the Ascott Gurney Hotel , Penang , on 29 April 2024 , marking the inaugural MFTH programme in the State . This seminar aimed to provide insights to tourist accommodations , spa and wellness operators , travel agents , and tour guides , enabling them to incorporate Muslim-friendly practices into their businesses .
Key topics included the potential of the Muslim tourist market , an introduction to ITC ’ s recognition programmes and the importance of �alaysia ’ s halal certification in ��T� �y the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia , Penang .
The seminar saw strong interest from Penang ’ s industry players , with over 60 participants attending .
On 30 April 2024 , 28 Bumiputera tourist guides were recognised as Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guides ���T�� at a certification ceremony at Bertam Resort in Kepala Batas , further solidifying Penang ’ s commitment to enhancing its MFTH sector .
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Tun Dato ’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi Haji Abdul Razak ( left ) and Nizran Noordin .
ITC ’ s courtesy visit to TYT Penang
THE Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) was honoured to make a courtesy visit to the �ang di-�ertua Negeri �ulau �inang� Tun Dato ’ Seri Utama Ahmad Fuzi Haji ��dul �a�ak� at his official residence� Seri Mutiara , on 9 May 2024 .
The visit followed several Muslim- Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) programmes organised by ITC for Penang ’ s industry players this year . During the nearly two-hour meeting , ITC and Tun Ahmad Fuzi exchanged views on the opportunities and potential for Penang to become a prime destination for Muslim tourists .
Tun Ahmad Fuzi provided valuable suggestions to further invigorate Penang ’ s tourism industry . ITC expressed gratitude for his attention and support , emphasising its enthusiasm and readiness to collaborate with the State Government , tourism industry players , and other stakeholders to enhance the MFTH ecosystem in Penang .
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Nizran Noordin and Abdul Razak Dato ' Haji Ipap .
ITC Director-General visits Yayasan Al-Jenderami
THE Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) Director- General Nizran Noordin , had the privilege of �isiting �ayasan �l-�enderami in Desa Jenderam , Selangor , on 4 June 2024 . This non-governmental organisation ( NGO ) remains committed to preserving traditional Islamic education while adapting to the demands of modern development and the passage of time .
During the visit , ITC seized the opportunity to delve into the concept of pondokstay — a traditional Islamic learning institution with the elements of community-based tourism — and explore best practices that continue to capture the hearts of both local and international travellers .
�ratitude �as e�tended to �ayasan Al-Jenderami , under the leadership of its Chairman Abdul Razak Dato ’ Haji Ipap , for warmly receiving the ITC delegation . The foundation ’ s efforts in promoting the pondokstay concept were deeply appreciated and serve as a commendable example for others to emulate .
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Russia-Islamic World Kazan Forum 2024 .
Exploring Kazan ’ s Muslim travel market
ON 13 May 2024 , the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) explored Kazan , Russia , as a potential new market for Muslimfriendly tourism . Recognising Kazan ’ s sizeable Muslim population , ITC aimed to introduce Malaysia ’ s Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) offerings to this demographic .
In a series of meetings , ITC sought to understand Kazan ’ s market needs and engage with the local tourism industry to enhance collaborations . Key activities included participating in the 15th International Economic Forum “ Russia – Islamic World Kazan Forum 2024 ” on May 15 at Kazan Expo IEC and presenting alongside Tourism Malaysia at a roundtable discussion titled “ Development of the Tourism Sector in the Russian Federation , including Halal Standards .” ITC also took part in the inaugural Malaysia-Russia Working
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ITC announces new appointments of Board of Trustees
THE Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) announced new appointments of its Board of Trustees , welcoming leaders from various fields to drive the organisation ’ s strategic initiatives . Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism , Arts and Culture ( MOTAC ), Dato ’ Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman , has been appointed as the Chairman of ITC .
He expressed enthusiasm about the new team : “ We are excited to welcome such experienced individuals on board . The newly appointed board would bring extensive expertise in driving strategic initiatives to strengthen Islamic tourism
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Islamic Tourism Centre team .
ITC celebrates partners in a joyous industry networking session
THE Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) hosted some 500 long-time and new partners in a joyous Industry Networking Session , at Temu Hall , KL Tower on 25 April 2024 . The networking session was organised just as Muslims around the world welcomed the Islamic month of Syawal , the season for forgiveness and reconnecting , two weeks prior .
ITC Director-General Nizran Noordin unveiled ITC ’ s 2024 plans during the event , including signature programmes like the World Islamic Tourism Conference ( WITC ) in September and Islamic Tourism Month ( ITM ) from 16 Aug to 30 Sep 2024 .
The diverse gathering included ambassadors , high commissioners , policymakers , hoteliers , travel agents , tourist guides , and media representatives , all united in their
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Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) Awareness Seminar at the Courtyard by Marriott Melaka .
Melaka keen to explore Islamic tourism
ON 23 May 2024 , the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) hosted a Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) Awareness Seminar at the Courtyard by Marriott Melaka . The event gathered key players from various sectors of the tourism industry .
The one-day programme featured sessions from ITC , the Chief Minister of �elaka ’ s �ffice� and the �a�atan �gama Islam Melaka ( JAIM ). Discussions focused on ITC ’ s Muslim-friendly initiatives , current tourism trends in Melaka , and the importance of halal practices in the Muslim-friendly sector .
The seminar saw a strong turnout of over 80 participants , reflecting significant interest from Melaka ’ s industry players in engaging with the Muslim tourist market . – RnR
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