KUALA LUMPUR, 16 OCTOBER 2023: Today marks a momentous occasion as the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) hosts an exclusive Appreciation High-Tea, extending heartfelt gratitude to the strategic partners, sponsors and media members, who have been the true champions behind the success of Islamic Tourism Month 2023 (ITM 2023) throughout August and September.
The Appreciation High-Tea is a testament to the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of all parties involved who have played an instrumental role in disseminating the essence of Muslim-friendly travel experiences, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and showcasing the beauty of Islamic tourism.
ITM 2023 has served as a powerful platform to showcase the rich tapestry of Malaysia’s culture, heritage, and the essence of tolerance that defines our nation. It is more than a celebration; it is proof of the diversity that makes Malaysia unique.
Through ITM 2023, Malaysia not only welcomes visitors to experience the warmth of our hospitality but also invites them to explore the beauty of our traditions, historical sites, and the coexistence of various cultures. It’s a celebration of unity, creating a bridge that connects people from different backgrounds through the universal language of hospitality.
ITC recognises the tremendous opportunities ITM can present for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, and our youth. The potential within Islamic Tourism, marked by innovative Muslim-Friendly products and services, is vast.
Malaysia’s aspiration to become a prominent Umrah Hub calls for more Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality (MFTH) offerings. A recent meeting between the Secretary-General of MOTAC, YBhg. Dato’ Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman, with the Saudi Tourism Board to discuss the matter further, was an encouraging development to strengthen Malaysia’s ties with Saudi Arabia.
“This is an open invitation for businesses to venture into this Muslim Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) growing market, offering unique experiences that cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim travellers, and that can also be enjoyed by the non-Muslims. With the right blend of creativity and cultural sensitivity, entrepreneurs can tap into this lucrative market, fostering economic growth and expanding the horizons of our tourism industry,” said YBhg. Dato’ Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman.
“MOTAC would like to extend its deepest thanks to each and every media outlet and strategic partner who has played a part in making ITM 2023 a triumph. Your tireless efforts have not only elevated the profile of this event but have also contributed to building bridges of understanding and appreciation in our global community. May the stories and collaborations you’ve shared continue to resonate, inspire, and foster a world that embraces the beauty of diversity,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Director-General of ITC, Nizran Noordin said, “ITM 2023 provides opportunities for industry players to showcase their products and services in high demand by the Muslim tourist market. The domestic and international travellers get to experience Malaysia’s multi-cultural diversity and moderate Islamic lifestyle in a safe and welcoming environment.”
Nizran added, “ITM 2023 has successfully achieved approximately RM2 million in sales derived from special promotions on accommodations, travel packages, spa and wellness experiences, food and beverages, shopping and retail offers, as well as events, seminars and exhibitions.”
“In addition, through the ITM 2023 Tiktok Challenge, we also reached out to the younger generation, garnering more than 1 million views of the #DiscoverMFAR and #ExperienceITM2023. It’s one of the efforts we are making to engage more actively with youths,” he shared.
The pinnacle of the evening featured the certificates presentation to more than 10 media partners in various categories, including television, radio, print, and online media for their outstanding coverage and special report on ITM 2023.
Certificates of appreciation to 126 ITM 2023 strategic partners; Aras Mercu, Serai Group, Exec Travel & Tours, D&D Beauty House Sunway Putra Mall, Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA, Tamu Hotel & Suites, Nasyrul Quran Putrajaya, and Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad Kuala Lumpur, among others were also presented.
The event also revealed the 30 winners of the ITM 2023 TikTok Challenge – out of more than 83 participants – to win RM45,000 worth of prizes sponsored by Mastercard, Resorts World Cruises, Sim Leisure Group (including Escape and Kidzania), Lost World of Tambun, and MyBurgerLab, highlighting the creativity and enthusiasm of participants.
A special ceremony to formalise a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between ITC and the Malaysian Association of Hotels Training and Education Centre (MAHTEC) wrapped up the afternoon which further signifies a strengthened commitment to collaboration and mutual growth.
ITM 2023 was organised by ITC from 21 August till 30 September 2023, over a month-long showcase of events, activities, and tourism offerings for the public, tourists, industry players, and entrepreneurs alike that presents itself as a gallery of the rich and unique Islamic tourism experiences regardless of their ethnicity or religion.
#ITM2023 #IslamicTourismMonth #ExperienceITM2023 #myITM2023 #IslamicTourismCentre #MuslimFriendlyMalaysia #MalaysiaMesraMuslim
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About Islamic Tourism Centre:
ITC is an entity under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, tasked to develop the Islamic Tourism segment for Malaysia. It advocates for Muslim-friendly Tourism (MFT) by offering research and market intelligence, training, industry development consultation, Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) services standards and recognition, and information exchange.
Malaysia was named the top country in the region in the 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. In the same year, Malaysia was recognised as the Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Top Muslim Women-Friendly Destination of the Year in Halal in Travel Awards 2023.
In addition, ITC was named the recipient of the Strategic Business Alliance Award at The BrandLaureate World Halal Best Brand E-Branding Awards 2021. It is a recognition of ITC’s efforts and endeavours in formulating new strategies to meet the new normal of the business environment to ensure business continuity and sustainability, notwithstanding its role to develop and grow the Islamic tourism segment in Malaysia.
These recognitions are an added motivation for ITC to continue to strengthen its efforts in being a prime mover and leading institution to ensure Malaysia is at the forefront of MFTH.
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Shamsul Bahrin : +6012 347 0245
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