September-October. 2025

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MESSAGE BY

MADAM NUR ALYSSA CORALINE YUSSIN Director, Research and Training / Acting Director-General, Islamic Tourism Centre

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As we enter the final quarter of 2025, I am delighted to share with you the highlights of one of Islamic Tourism Centre’ s( ITC) most important signature programmes – Islamic Tourism Month( ITM). Since its inception in 2023, ITM has grown to become a vibrant platform showcasing Malaysia’ s diverse Muslim-friendly products, services, and experiences. It is not just a campaign, but a movement that celebrates inclusivity, culture, and the assurance of Muslim-friendly hospitality.

This year’ s ITM continues to strengthen the ecosystem by connecting industry players with travellers, empowering SMEs, and promoting meaningful collaborations. From Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition( MFAR) properties to heritage mosques being featured in Mosque Open Days, and from family-friendly tourist attractions to empathic wellness experiences, the products and services featured reflect Malaysia’ s readiness to serve the growing global Muslim travel market.

The results speak for themselves. ITM has generated more than RM5 million in tourism sales since 2022 and expanded opportunities for entrepreneurs, while also providing assurance for Muslim travellers and choice for all. Indeed, Islamic tourism is not exclusive; it benefits both Muslims and non-Muslims alike – businesses, travellers, and communities.

Beyond ITM, ITC remains steadfast in its broader mission: building a resilient Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality( MFTH) ecosystem through standards, certification, training, research, and global collaborations. As such, we are pleased to become a strategic partner of the Global Halal Summit( GhaS) 2025 once again, taking the opportunity to engage with the larger community at the Halal Certification Bodies Convention( HCBC), 14th SMIIC Technical Committee Week, and Malaysia International Halal Showcase( MIHAS).

As global Muslim tourist arrivals are forecasted to reach 254 million by 2030, our work today ensures Malaysia continues to lead, innovate, and inspire. This special issue looks at the progress that ITC – and Malaysia – has made in the Islamic tourism landscape.

I invite all of you – industry stakeholders, partners, and travellers – to join us in shaping Malaysia’ s future as the world’ s leading Muslimfriendly destination. Together, let us nurture an ecosystem that is sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive.

Thank you.

Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin

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Empowering women across industries Women entrepreneurs are shaping Malaysia’ s business landscape

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The rise of Muslim hospitality Growing consumer demand fuels new opportunities in Islamic tourism

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New vibes, new journey ASEAN Chairmanship momentum positions ITM 2025 as a premier Muslim-friendly travel platform

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Celebrating ITM 2025 An expanded edition with more partners and ways to experience Malaysia

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Mosque Open Day ITM 2025 opens the doors of mosques nationwide

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Mosque tourism momentum Malaysia strengthens global position in mosque tourism with new directory and roundtable

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A more sustainable industry World Tourism Conference highlights Malaysia’ s commitment to green and responsible tourism

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A tourism enthusiast gathering Malaysia to host World Tourism Day and World Tourism Conference 2025

Expanding the reach of MFAR

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Positioning Islamic tourism in the mainstream From the lens of Mardhiyyah Hotel & Suites

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A new direction for Malaysia’ s spa industry Key insights from the Association of Malaysian Spas( AMSPA)