November-December. 2025

08 Highlight

ITC partners with JAKIM at GHaS 2025 to showcase the synergy between MFTH and the halal economy

The team from ITC at HCBC 2025.

The HCBC delegates took a memorable photo at KL Tower.

Taking place from 16 to 20 September 2025, the event, organised by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia( JAKIM), became a significant platform to advance the global halal industry. Through this collaboration, ITC reinforced its dedication to promoting Malaysia’ s leadership in Islamic tourism and strengthening its connection with the broader halal ecosystem.

ITC’ s participation in this notable event reflected the increasing link between the halal economy and the Muslim Friendly Tourism and Hospitality( MFTH) sector. The partnership demonstrated how both industries can collaborate to meet the changing needs of faith-based travellers, as more destinations recognise the importance of offering inclusive and value-oriented experiences.

With MFTH expected to generate US $ 235 billion( RM 1 trillion) by 2030, ITC ' s participation at GHaS 2025 marked another milestone in its effort to support the sustainable expansion of this dynamic segment while further elevating Malaysia ' s position as a preferred Muslim-friendly destination.

" A crucial factor in reinforcing Malaysia ' s well-regarded position as a leading Muslimfriendly destination is the establishment of service recognition standards such as the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition( MFAR) and the Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide( MFTG) programmes,” said Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin, Acting Director-General of ITC.

“ These initiatives are crucial in setting standards for Muslim-friendly services, including accommodation, tour guiding, and ensuring they meet the needs of Muslim travellers."

By aligning MFTH with the halal economy, ITC also supports the importance of halal certification by JAKIM in boosting traveller confidence. The incorporation of halal products and services within MFTH initiatives, especially MFAR, helps build an inclusive and trustworthy environment for tourists.- RnR

ITC Networking Dinner and

Engagement Session.

The Halal Certification Bodies Convention( HCBC) 2025( 16 – 17 September 2025, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur)

At the Halal Certification Bodies Convention( HCBC) 2025, Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin, on behalf of the Islamic Tourism Centre( ITC), discussed the topic“ Halal and Hospitality: Driving Muslim Tourist Growth Towards Visit Malaysia 2026( VM2026),” emphasising the close relationship between halal certification and the Muslim Friendly Tourism and Hospitality( MFTH) sector and its vital role in Malaysia ' s flagship tourism campaign.

The sharing session encouraged global certification bodies to adopt unified standards under the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition( MFAR) framework, fostering cohesive recognition for Muslim-friendly destinations worldwide.

Technical tour in conjunction with GHaS 2025( 18 September 2025, Kuala Lumpur)

Following the success of the first technical tour for the Global Halal Summit( GHaS) led by the Islamic Tourism Centre( ITC) in the previous year, the agency once again hosted over 300 participants from global halal certification bodies on a day-long tour showcasing Malaysia ' s Muslimfriendly offerings.

The itinerary included business-to-business( B2B) sessions at the Malaysian International Halal Showcase( MIHAS) 2025, visits to the iconic KL Tower and the majestic Federal Territory Mosque, a tour of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, and a networking dinner with ITC at Menara MATRADE.

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