Islamic Tourism Month 2023 highlights Malaysia ’ s diverse array of Muslimfriendly products and services
“ This is a testament to successful collaborative efforts between industry players that align with the key strategies under the National Tourism Policy 2020- 2030 . Islamic Tourism Month has immense potential to be a signature event for Malaysia to attract Muslim tourists from this region and beyond .”– Firdaus
NEWS
18 | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER . 2023
Celebrating Muslim-friendly tourism experiences
Islamic Tourism Month 2023 highlights Malaysia ’ s diverse array of Muslimfriendly products and services
Dato ’ Seri Saarani Mohamad .
Khairul Firdaus , Dato ' Seri Haji Saarani Mohamad and Nizran Noordin during the launching of ITM 2023 .
IN RECENT years , Malaysia has achieved remarkable milestones in the Muslim-friendly travel space , earning recognition as a leading destination for Islamic tourism . Malaysia was named the top country in the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) sector by the State of the Global Islamic Economy ( SGIE ) Report 2022 .
The country also retained the top-ranked destination in the Mastercard- CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index ( GMTI ) 2023 , a position it has defended since the launch of the Index in 2015 . The same year , Malaysia was recognised as the Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year ( OIC ) and Best Muslim Women- Friendly Destination of the Year in Halal in Travel Awards 2023 .
As an agency responsible for the growth of Islamic tourism in Malaysia , the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ), an agency under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism , Arts and Culture ( MOTAC ), launched the Islamic Tourism Month 2023 ( ITM 2023 ), a monthlong celebration dedicated to showcasing the nation ’ s remarkable Muslim-friendly tourism offerings by the travel industry .
The Menteri Besar of Perak , Dato ’ Seri Saarani Mohamad , officially launched ITM 2023 , at Casuarina Convention Centre , Ipoh , Perak , on Aug 18 , 2023 , accompanied by Deputy Minister of MOTAC , Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan , and Director-General of ITC , Nizran Noordin .
PERAK IS THE LEADING EXAMPLE
During the launch , Saarani emphasised that Perak always strove to be the lead example in spearheading the experience economy through Islamic tourism , which is part of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 blueprint .
“ Perak has always been rich in history , culture , and natural beauty . With the support of the state government and the cooperation of our communities , we have embarked on a journey to transform Perak into a premier Muslim-friendly destination .
The attendees of ITM 2023 launching ceremony .
“ This is a testament to successful collaborative efforts between industry players that align with the key strategies under the National Tourism Policy 2020- 2030 . Islamic Tourism Month has immense potential to be a signature event for Malaysia to attract Muslim tourists from this region and beyond .”– Firdaus
The Islamic Tourism Month 2023 is just the beginning of an exciting chapter , as we look forward to the grand event of Visit Perak Year 2024 .
“ In the months building up to 2024 , we will focus on developing and promoting various aspects of Islamic tourism . Our efforts will include enhancing the facilities at our mosques and prayer rooms , introducing more halal-certified restaurants , adopting Muslim-friendly standards at all tourist attractions , and organising activities
that celebrate our Islamic heritage and values .
“ Therefore , through Tourism Perak Management Berhad , the Perak state government has worked closely with ITC to strengthen further the state ’ s existing Islamic tourism attractions and offerings .
“ Earlier this year , local industry practitioners were given a chance to attend the Islamic Tourism Entrepreneurship and Leadership Seminar ( ITELS ) and Let ’ s Sembang Together on Muslim-Friendly
Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition ( MFAR ), both organised by ITC , to put them on the right track and tap into the billion-dollar worth Muslim tourist market . I encourage Perak businesses to continue engaging with MOTAC and ITC to further strengthen Perak ’ s positioning as a Muslim-friendly destination .”
REACHING OUT TO MUSLIM TOURISTS
Also speaking at the ceremony , Khairul Firdaus noted that Malaysia attracted 10.07 million international tourists last year since the reopening of international borders in April 2022 and that Muslims made up 2.12 million of the numbers , spending a total of RM5.37 billion .
“ This is a testament to successful collaborative efforts between industry players that align with the key strategies under the National Tourism Policy 2020-2030 . Islamic Tourism Month has immense potential to be a signature event for Malaysia to attract Muslim tourists from this region and beyond ,” said Firdaus .
“ Our focus for this month is to reach out to Muslim tourists around the globe , inviting them to immerse themselves in a truly unique and enriching experience . We are dedicated to providing our Muslim brothers and sisters an opportunity to connect deeply to their faith , culture , and history while exploring the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cities Malaysia offers .”
Through ITM , MOTAC aims to highlight Malaysia ’ s diverse array of Muslim-friendly products and services , foster collaboration among industry stakeholders , and solidify strategic partnerships among the Islamic tourism ecosystem players .
Held from Aug 21 to Sep 17 , 2023 , ITM 2023 is a month-long showcase of events , activities , and tourism offerings for the public , tourists , tourism industry players , and entrepreneurs alike that presents itself as a gallery of the rich and unique Islamic tourism experiences Malaysia has to offer . — R & R