September-October . 2021 | @ Halal
Islamic Tourism
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Mosque as one-stop centre Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia shares its insights and tour experience
BY FATIHAH MANAF
AS MALAYSIA starts to see the light at the end of the tunnel with its vaccination rollout speed , there seems to be some hope for the tourism sector .
Hospitality was one of the most affected sectors . However , domestic tourism will soon start welcoming Malaysians who have been eagerly waiting to go on vacations after being stuck at home for more than half a year .
The Islamic Tourism Centre Malaysia ( ITC ) is keen to push mosque tourism to drive the domestic tourism sector . The agency sees the potential of Malaysian mosques in providing a better understanding of Islamic heritage , arts and culture to the local tourists , both Muslims and non-Muslims .
With the high probability of international borders remaining closed for longer durations , the mosque tourism segment can attract more local tourists .
In Malaysia , the architectural styles and historical backgrounds of the mosques are diverse . Some of the designs are influenced by Malaysia ’ s multicultural practices and inspired by other great mosques in different parts of the world .
Abdul Wahid Ibat , Assistant Manager at Marketing & Events Department of Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia ( IAMM ), believed the mosque is a one-stop centre for learning about Islamic arts and culture .
He said , through this mosque tourism programme , non-Muslims will gain more access to the Muslim world .
Wahid shared : “ There were people who came to us saying that in their country , Islam is pictured as poor and doesn ’ t have that kind of beauty or treasures .
“ But after they walked through the exhibition at our museum , they ’ re surprised to discover that the Muslim world has this kind of beauty .”
Potential of mosque tourism in Malaysia
“ Malaysia ’ s mosque tourism will attract tourists because of the diversity and multiracial communities . You can see mosques with Indian and Chinese influences in Malaysia .
“ Mosque tourism has enormous potential . But again , we cannot rely on the mosque itself as their own committees manage some mosques . The government , particularly the ministry of tourism , can support these committees regarding the promotion and others .
“ They probably can give some incentive packages to the mosques , provide their tour guide with training on how to handle and approach visitors who come from different backgrounds ,” said Wahid .
Giving an insight on how to engage and entertain the tourists during the mosque tourism programme , Wahid said it was impossible to control the group of visitors who come to the place .
Based on IAMM ’ s experience , he said
Mosque tourism has enormous potential . But again , we cannot rely on the mosque itself as their own committees manage some mosques . The government , particularly the ministry of tourism , can support these committees regarding the promotion and others .”
— Abdul Wahid Ibat
some of the visitors could be as young as kindergarten students who might need different approaches and engagement .
“ So , what we do , besides having the exhibition , is to have various activities .
“ For instance , when a family comes with two or three young kids , we will give them some worksheets . Maybe the parents can teach the kids to find the Islamic patterns on our exhibits during the tour ,” explained Wahid .
Abdul Wahid Ibat , Assistant Manager at Marketing & Events Department of Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia ( IAMM ).