@Halal September/October 2024 | Page 47

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September-October . 2024

News Bites

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REBUILDING RURAL TOURISM IN APEC ECONOMIES

ON 27 August 2024 , the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) hosted a Training Workshop on Rebuilding Rural Tourism in APEC Economies at Miso Walai Village in Kinabatangan , Sabah . This event brought together participants from Chile , Indonesia , Malaysia , Peru , and Vietnam , who had the chance to explore the region ’ s stunning landscapes , gain insights into sustainable tourism practices , and engage with local communities . The workshop celebrated the transformative potential of rural tourism and its role in green recovery , highlighting the importance of preserving natural beauty while fostering economic growth in rural areas .

TERENGGANU ’ S MUSLIM- FRIENDLY TOURISM JOURNEY

ON 8 August 2024 , the Muslim- Friendly Tourism and Hospitality ( MFTH ) Awareness Seminar was held at Hotel Seri Malaysia Kuala Terengganu . The seminar witnessed the enthusiasm and collaboration among hotel and homestay operators , travel agencies , licensed tour guides , and spa operators in exploring opportunities within the Islamic tourism segment . The seminar equipped industry stakeholders with new knowledge , inspiration , and motivation to develop further Islamic tourism in the East coast region , specifically in Terengganu .

A COMPREHENSIVE BASIC LIFE SUPPORT TRAINING

THE Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) is dedicated to the ongoing development and upskilling of its Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guides ( MFTGs ). On 15 August 2024 , a refresher course at Dorsett Kuala Lumpur included comprehensive Basic Life Support training , equipping guides with essential skills in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ( CPR ), Hands-Only CPR , and Automated External Defibrillator ( AED ). The session was conducted by Dr Azizul Amar and his team from Akademi Dr Azizul Amar and Pertubuhan Latihan CPR Malaysia . This initiative underscores ITC ’ s commitment to enhancing the safety and proficiency of its partners , ensuring that tourists can explore Malaysia with confidence and peace of mind .

ENHANCING COMPETITIVENESS OF ISLAMIC TOURISM

ON 9 August 2024 , the Islamic Tourism Centre ( ITC ) represented Malaysia at the webinar ‘ Enhancing the Competitiveness of Halal Tourism in OIC Member Countries ,’ organised by SESRIC in collaboration with the Islamic Centre for Development of Trade ( ICDT ) under its TOURDEV Programme . This event provided an essential platform for exchanging insights and exploring strategies to advance Muslim-friendly tourism across the OIC region . ITC representatives , including Marina Muhamad , Director of Industrial Development , Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin , Director of Research and Training , and Siti Sarah Husin , Senior Executive , actively contributed to discussions on the current state of Muslimfriendly tourism , addressing industry challenges and proposing potential solutions . – RnR