@Halal R&R - Rest & Rehlah November/December 2024 | Page 2

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November-December . 2024
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CONTENTS

MESSAGE FROM

Director-General Islamic Tourism Centre

ASSALAMUALAIKUM warahmatullahi wabarakatuh .

It is with immense gratitude and joy that I reflect on the success of the 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference ( WITC ), which concluded with resounding success . Alhamdulillah , we have witnessed an incredible gathering of minds and hearts , all united by a common vision : to elevate Islamic tourism on the global stage . I extend my heartfelt thanks to all delegates , moderators and speakers , strategic partners , and the hardworking team behind the scenes who made this event possible . Your dedication and participation have contributed significantly to the overall success of WITC 2024 .
The conference brought together more than 500 attendees from across the globe , including policymakers , industry experts , thought leaders , and innovators in the field of tourism . The panel discussions provided insightful perspectives on sustainable tourism practices , innovative digital solutions , and the growing needs of the Muslim tourist market . It ended on a high note with the signing of three significant Memorandums of Understanding to further advance the Islamic tourism ecosystem locally , regionally , and globally .
This event was not just a gathering of professionals , but a platform to reflect on the immense potential of Islamic tourism in promoting inclusivity , diversity , and mutual respect . The discussions underscored the importance of fostering ethical and responsible tourism , rooted in Islamic values of hospitality , compassion , and respect for all cultures . It is crucial that we continue to promote tourism that not only caters to the Muslim market but also enhances the experiences of travelers from all walks of life .
As we move forward , ITC will continue to support the expansion of Islamic tourism and provide more insights into the Muslim tourist market . One of the signature events to close the ITC calendar this year is the Islamic Tourism Symposium which will take place in Penang from 25 to 26 November . This will be an exciting platform to highlight new research and studies being done to dig deeper into the Islamic tourism landscape and open more doors of opportunity within the space .
However , our journey does not end here . ITC has made global connections to expand the Muslim- Friendly Tourism and Hospitality
( MFTH ) model we developed .
Insha Allah , this will facilitate and foster more Muslims to travel with ease and explore the world as intended .
I look forward to seeing more innovations , partnerships , and advancements that will champion Muslimfriendly tourism . Together , we can shape the future of Islamic tourism to be one that benefits not just Muslims , but the entire global community .
Thank you once again , and may Allah bless our endeavours .
Nizran Noordin Director-General
Islamic Tourism Centre
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P03 Charting the future
Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to advancing MFTH standards at the 4th WITC
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Understanding the Muslim Tourist
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Muslim-friendly Travel and Community
P06 Growth and Opportunity
P07 Inclusivity
P08-09 Building Bridges
Industry experts and thought leaders share perspectives on growth , challenges , and opportunities in Islamic tourism
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Selangor ’ s commitment to Islamic tourism
Forging global partnerships
P12 News Bites
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Connecting halal and hospitality
GHaS 2024 highlights the intersection of the halal economy and Islamic tourism
P14-15 Moments from WITC 2024
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