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November-December . 2024
Event
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Experiencing the vibrant Malaysian International Halal Showcase ( MIHAS ) 2024 .
Connecting halal and hospitality
Savouring the flavours of traditional halal Malay cuisine at Restoran Rebung by Chef Ismail .
GHaS 2024 highlights the intersection of the halal economy and Islamic tourism
Malaysia International Halal Showcase ( MIHAS )
FROM 17 to 20 September 2024 , ITC , along with nine key partners , showcased Malaysia ’ s diverse MFTH offerings at MIHAS 2024 , held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre ( MITEC ) in Kuala Lumpur . During the event , ITC conducted briefings on the Islamic Tourism Month ( ITM ) 2024 and its Muslim- Friendly Accommodation Recognition ( MFAR ) programme . Various exhibitors , including Rangkaian Hotel Seri Malaysia , Tasik Villa , KL Tower , Kurma Gateways Travels Management , Nur Taj Spa , Yayasan Restu / Nasyrul Quran , Git Tours & Travels , Surfink Holidays , and Farm in the City , presented their exclusive ITM 2024 offerings , providing valuable insights to attendees through their presentations .
THE relationship between Muslim-friendly tourism and the halal industry is rapidly evolving , with destinations around the world recognising the potential to cater to Muslim travellers . As the demand for halal products and services expands , so does the opportunity for countries to enhance their tourism experiences in ways that align with Islamic values .
This evolving connection was a key focus at the Global Halal Summit ( GHaS ) 2024 , where the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) highlighted the vital relationship between the global halal economy and the thriving Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) sector .
By partnering with GHaS 2024 , organised by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia ( JAKIM ), ITC demonstrated how the needs of Muslim travellers can be seamlessly integrated into broader tourism strategies . With MFTH projected to reach US $ 225 billion ( RM1 trillion ) by 2028 , this collaboration highlighted the significant growth potential at the intersection of halal and tourism .
ITC Director-General Nizran Noordin said that a critical element in strengthening Malaysia ’ s position as a leading Muslimfriendly destination lies in the development of service recognition standards , such as the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR ) and the Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide ( MFTG ) programmes .
He emphasised that these initiatives were essential for setting standards for Muslimfriendly services , including accommodations and tour guides , to ensure they meet the needs of Muslim travellers .
“ By aligning MFTH with the halal economy , ITC simultaneously endorses the importance of JAKIM ’ s halal certification in enhancing traveller confidence . The integration of halal products and services with MFTH initiatives , particularly MFAR , contributes to creating an inclusive and trusted ecosystem for tourists ,” Nizran elaborated .
“ This will be showcased through our involvement in GHaS , including the participation at the Malaysian International Halal Showcase ( MIHAS ), Technical Tour in conjunction with the Halal Certification Bodies Convention ( HCBC ) 2024 , speaking session at HCBC 2024 and the MFTH Seminar .”
Through its active participation in GHaS 2024 , ITC reaffirmed its commitment to advancing MFTH . The collaborative events ,
Finding solace in the serene Putra Mosque in Putrajaya .
The delegates at Kompleks Nasyrul Quran , Putrajaya .
The delegates and ITC team in Putrajaya .
including MIHAS , technical tours , and industry discussions , forged essential links between the halal economy and the expanding MFTH sector .
This unified effort highlighted Malaysia ’ s pivotal role in the global Muslim-friendly tourism landscape , reinforcing its status as a premier destination for Muslim travellers while supporting broader goals of the halal industry . – RnR
Technical Tour in conjunction with HCBC 2024
ON 17 September 2024 , ITC hosted 165 participants from international halal certification bodies on a technical tour in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya , showcasing Malaysia ’ s Muslim-friendly attractions . The itinerary included attending the MIHAS 2024 Opening Ceremony officiated by the Prime Minister , enjoying lunch at Restoran Rebung Chef Ismail , touring Nasyrul Quran in Putrajaya , visiting the iconic Putra Mosque , and concluding with a dinner and networking session with the agency .
Halal Certification Bodies Convention ( HCBC ) 2024
On 18 September 2024 , during HCBC 2024 at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur , Nizran Noordin represented ITC in a discussion on the topic “ Halal Certification Enhancing Islamic Tourism ”. He emphasised the strong connection between halal certification and the MFTH sector . His presentation aimed to encourage global certification bodies to adopt unified standards under the MFAR marking , fostering consistent recognition for Muslim-friendly destinations around the world .
Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) Seminar
The MFTH Seminar was held on 19 September 2024 at the Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur , organised by ITC as part of ITM 2024 and GHaS . The seminar aimed to provide valuable insights to tourist accommodations , spas , wellness centres , travel agents , and tour guides in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor . With contributions from speakers at ITC , Tourism Malaysia , and JAKIM , the event focused on how to effectively incorporate Muslim-friendly practices into business operations to serve the growing Muslim travel market better .