May-June. 2025
NEWS BITES 03
Boosting Economic Benefits
FROM 5 to 6 May 2025, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture( MOTAC), through the Islamic Tourism Centre( ITC), took part in the 5th D-8 Senior Officials Meeting on Tourism Cooperation and the 4th D-8 Ministerial Meeting on Tourism Cooperation held in Cairo, Egypt.
During the Senior Officials Meeting, member states explored strategies to strengthen tourism across the D-8 group. Malaysia emphasised its rich heritage and vibrant culture, particularly highlighting its comprehensive Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality( MFTH) ecosystem as a key driver of national economic growth.
The discussions also covered adopting a declaration to enhance tourism cooperation and mutual support among the D-8 members to boost economic benefits.
At the Ministerial Meeting, Malaysia was represented by His Excellency Dato’ Mohd Tarid Sufian, Ambassador to Egypt. The meeting endorsed the earlier declaration and launched the inaugural D-8 Tourism City of the Year Award, with Antalya, Türkiye, receiving the first recognition. Member states exchanged insights on their tourism initiatives, showing a shared commitment to grow the sector through investment and new technologies like Artificial Intelligence.
MFTG Training Returns to Kuala Lumpur
FROM 13 to 15 May 2025, the Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide( MFTG) 2025 training returned to Kuala Lumpur, held at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel. This marked the second session of the year in the city, following an overwhelming response from participants.
The training programme offered licensed tour guides under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture( MOTAC) an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Islamic tourism concepts and global trends.
Attendees also enhanced their skills in effective communication within the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality( MFTH) sector, gained knowledge of halal essentials, and learned how to manage the expectations of Muslim tourists. This initiative aimed to better equip tour guides with the expertise needed to serve the growing Muslim tourist market more effectively. There are currently 291 MFTGs throughout Malaysia.
Engaging the Muslim Tourist Market
ON 8 May 2025, the Islamic Tourism Centre( ITC) participated in the National Hospitality Transformation Conference Central Region, organised by the Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association( MyBHA) at Menara MATRADE.
Representing ITC, Director of Research and Training Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin delivered a presentation titled“ The Muslim
Tourist Market: Potential and Opportunities.” She outlined three driving forces behind the market’ s growth: rising demand, digital connectivity and community impact.
She also highlighted two key solutions: capacity building and strategic certification. She concluded by positioning ITC as a strategic partner for industry players aiming to engage the growing Muslim tourist market.
Regional Industry Engagements
FROM late April to early May 2025, Tourism Malaysia organised regional industry engagements across key Malaysian states, where the Islamic Tourism Centre( ITC) participated to promote Muslim- Friendly Tourism and Hospitality( MFTH).
The sessions began in Perak on 29 April, where ITC shared insights and strengthened collaboration with local tourism stakeholders.
The team then travelled to Langkawi, Alor Setar, and Penang, engaging with passionate tourism players and discussing strategies to enhance the Muslim-friendly tourism segment. In Alor Setar, the meeting focused on positioning Kedah’ s unique offerings ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026( VM2026).
The engagement in Penang on 5 May at the Marjorie Hotel further fostered ideas and partnerships to support the island’ s growth as a Muslim-friendly destination.– RnR