SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER . 2023 | 13

Islamic Tourism Symposium 2023 aims to facilitate dialogue and networking beyond traditional boundaries . BY FATIHAH MANAF

Serving as the driving force behind the growth of this segment in Malaysia , the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) is all set to host the highly anticipated 4th Islamic Tourism Symposium ( ITS ) on Nov 14 to 15 , 2023 , in Kuala Lumpur .

According to ITC Research & Training Director Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin , the symposium aims to bridge the gap between academia and the masses , focusing on engaging participants from Malaysia and across the ASEAN member countries .

“ Symposiums are sometimes associated with a more serious tone , but we ’ re dedicated to cultivating an engaging atmosphere for our ITS 2023 ,” said Alyssa .

“ We aim to foster meaningful collaborations and partnerships by bringing together individuals from academia , the tourism industry , government bodies , and the private sector – to facilitate dialogue and networking beyond traditional boundaries .

“ Interactions can lead to joint research initiatives , developing new business models , and implementing best practices that benefit the Islamic tourism ecosystem .”

In addition to research paper presentations , ITS 2023 introduces poster presentations , fostering one-to-one discussions and pitching opportunities to industry and potential investors . Complementing this , a mini exhibition of research publications and books aims to encourage a reading culture and support the national agenda for scientific literacy . The event also features esteemed international speakers from Turkey , the Philippines , Indonesia and South Africa , enriching the symposium ’ s diverse perspectives .

Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin

ISLAMIC TOURISM RESEARCH GRANTS

Recognising the pivotal role of research and academia , ITC extends its support through the Islamic Tourism Research Grants ( ITRGs ) to institutions and research centres that study distinct subjects within Islamic tourism .

The findings derived from this research are intended to contribute to Islamic tourism ’ s broader growth and development .

The ITRGs presently focus on addressing the current needs and challenges within Islamic tourism and Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality ( MFTH ) and span 10 key areas : 1 . Sustainability , green , regenerative tourism 2 . Medical , health , and wellness tourism 3 . Edutourism 4 . Social and community tourism – women , youth 5 . Mosque tourism 6 . Smart / ICT / Digital tourism 7 . Destination and product management 8 . Communication and branding

9 . Culture and heritage

10 . General trends in Islamic tourism / MFTH Alyssa said to facilitate the research commercialisation , ITC would connect researchers to work directly with industry experts to refine and implement ideas .

“ We will assist researchers and innovators in seeking additional funding or investment from potential investors , venture capitalists , or government grants – secure and obtain adequate funding to scale up the development and marketing of new products , services or initiatives .”

Additionally , ITC would organise networking events , conferences , and exhibitions wherein researchers present their innovations to potential partners , investors , and customers within the Islamic tourism industry .

The agency would also provide guidelines and policy advice to ensure research findings and their development align with current needs and regulations . They are adaptable , usable , and beneficial to the industry and community .

PROMISING RESEARCH FINDINGS

Alyssa highlighted three particularly promising research findings resulting from previous ITRGs . The first pertains to a Muslim-friendly travel app ; the second revolves around ‘ Mapping of SDGs to Maqasid Syariah and MFTH ’; and the third is the pondokstay programme .

“ The Muslim-friendly travel app is a digital application that enables travellers to plan their journeys ,” explained Alyssa .

“ Interestingly , the researcher has received inquiries from potential investors regarding acquiring this application , not once but twice . It demonstrates the app ’ s substantial potential .

“ As a result , we are contemplating allocating more funds to enhance its offerings and features before presenting it to potential investors .”

Concerning the research titled ‘ Mapping of SDGs to Maqasid Syariah and MFTH ,’ Alyssa highlighted that many organisations and individuals had placed significant emphasis on sustainability .

These organisations can establish themselves as sustainable entities by aligning the elements of MFTH with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals ( UNSDGs ), particularly within the tourism industry .

The UNSDGs and the Maqasid Shariah share common principles and objectives related to human well-being , social justice , and environmental sustainability . By integrating the principles and objectives of both , the development of Islamic tourism and MFTH can lead to more holistic , sustainable , and culturally sensitive tourism practices that benefit communities , promote social well-being , and respect Islamic values .

“ The pondokstay programme is a new Islamic tourism product we discovered through research . It seamlessly blends edutourism with community-based tourism . We have observed individuals arriving in Malaysia with a keen interest in experiencing a stay in a pondok .

“ When the researcher unveiled these findings , our objective shifted towards the development and promotion of this concept as an experiential tourism product – a concept wherein individuals can visit traditional Islamic educational and religious institutions , immersing themselves in the daily life of the Muslim community .”

She said ITC aimed to establish comprehensive guidelines for the pondokstay programme , enabling other interested pondoks to adopt standardised procedures . This approach ensures a consistent framework .

A CATALYST FOR ADVANCEMENT

When asked about her hopes for the upcoming ITS 2023 , Alyssa said : “ I hope this event grows to become a catalyst for the advancement of both knowledge and practices in the field of Islamic tourism .”

“ Hopefully , the symposium will continue to serve as a platform for exchanging cutting-edge research and innovative ideas , contributing to expanding understanding of the dynamics and trends within Islamic tourism .

“ This accumulation of knowledge can then inform and shape the strategies and decisions made by industry professionals and policymakers .”

Ultimately , she hoped that ITS 2023 would serve as a transformative event that accelerates the growth and development of the Islamic tourism sector by fostering a culture of collaboration , knowledge sharing , and innovation . — R & R