@Halal September/October 2024 | Page 35

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September-October . 2024

WITC 2024

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A gathering of industry innovators and tourism enthusiasts

THE Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ), a fundamental entity under Malaysia ’ s Ministry of Tourism , Arts and Culture , is all set to host the highlyanticipated 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference ( WITC ) on 12-13 September 2024 at the Sunway Resort Hotel in Kuala Lumpur .

ITC ’ s mission is to enhance Malaysia ’ s Islamic tourism segment through a range of services , including research , market intelligence , training , and the development of Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) standards . Its signature programme , the 4th WITC , promises to be a pivotal event , underscoring the importance of ‘ Forging Connections ’ in the Islamic tourism space .
This year ’ s conference aims to reveal emerging trends and innovative strategies for expanding the Islamic tourism and MFTH sectors . The focus is on penetrating both established and promising yet underdeveloped Muslim markets , addressing the dynamic needs and expectations of Muslim travellers worldwide . The theme ‘ Forging Connections ’ reflects the essence of Islamic tourism , emphasising the importance of building bridges between destinations to foster mutual understanding , economic collaboration , cultural exchange , and sustainability .
The WITC 2024 will feature a series of innovative sessions designed to inspire and inform attendees . These sessions will cover pressing topics and trends , offering insights into four key areas : Understanding Muslim Tourists , Muslim-Friendly Travel and
THE Muslim tourist market , which constitutes the primary audience of Islamic tourism and Muslim-friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ), is projected to reach a substantial US $ 225 billion by 2028 , signalling the sector ’ s promising outlook .
Some key speakers of WITC 2024 :
• Nizran Noordin , Director-General , Islamic Tourism Centre
• Omar DaCosta Shahid , Co-founder , Creed & Culture
• Shahzad Younas , CEO , Muzz
• Chef Gero DiMaria , Owner , Kucina Italian Restaurant
• Ala Uddin , Co-Founder , Mud Orange
• Dr Barbara Hayat , Director , The Halal Academy
• Dr Nisha Abu Bakar , Founder , World Women Tourism
• Kalsom Taib , Author , Recipes are for Sharing
• Jennifer Ogunyemi , Founder , Sisters in Business
• Vincent Vichit-Vadakan , Food Journalist
• İhsan ÖVÜT , Secretary General , Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries
• HE Karomidin Gadoev , Ambassador , Embassy of Uzbekistan to Malaysia
• Alex Castaldi , Chief Operating Officer , Sunway Hospitality Group
• Gary Bowerman , Director , Check-in Asia
• Kingston Khoo , President , Eco-STEPS
• Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar , Undersecretary , Department of Tourism Philippines
• Noor Ahmad Hamid , CEO , Pacific Asia Travel Association ( PATA )
• Mirza Vejzagic , Vice President , Malaysia-Bosnia and Herzegovina Business Council
• Marta Fernández Martín , Director , Spain Tourism Board
• Fazal Bahardeen , Chief Executive Officer , CrescentRating
• Prof . Dr Hafiz Hanafiah , Deputy Dean , Faculty of Tourism & Hospitality , Universiti Teknologi MARA ( UiTM )
• Anis Ramli , Founder & Editor , Halaluxe
• Marina Muhamad , Director , Industry Development , Islamic Tourism Centre
• Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin , Director , Research and Training , Islamic Tourism Centre
Community , Growth and Opportunity , and Inclusivity . The conference is set to provide a comprehensive view of the current landscape and future directions for the Islamic tourism sector .
One of the highlights of this year ’ s conference is the focus on ‘ The Power of Food .’ This segment aims to demonstrate how culinary experiences can be a central theme in tourism , transforming food from a mere necessity into a compelling element of travel experiences .
The previous editions of the WITC have set a high standard and achieved notable success . The inaugural conference in 2017 , themed ‘ Understanding and Embracing Muslim-Friendly Tourism ’, saw participation from 167 individuals . This was followed by the 2021 edition , which , despite the challenges posed by the pandemic , successfully engaged 50 on-site and 251 online participants under the theme ‘ Islamic Tourism : New Norms and Revitalisation ’. The third edition , held in 2022 , focused on ‘ Islamic Tourism : Inspiring Balance , Transformations and Solutions ’ and was attended by 460 participants , further cementing the conference ’ s reputation as a leading event in the field .
The 4th WITC is expected to build on these successes , offering a platform for industry leaders , stakeholders , and experts to discuss and explore innovative solutions and strategies for the Islamic tourism sector . The conference will not only address the current challenges but also provide a vision for future growth and development across the global Islamic tourism landscape . – RnR
“ The 4th WITC is expected to build on these successes , offering a platform for industry leaders , stakeholders , and experts to discuss and explore innovative solutions and strategies for the Islamic tourism sector .”