Latest news with #IslamicTourismCentre
The Sun
10-07-2025
- The Sun
Mosque tourism roundtable 2025 to boost Islamic travel in Malaysia
KOTA BHARU: Malaysia is strengthening its position as a global leader in Islamic tourism with the upcoming Mosque Tourism Roundtable (MTRT) 2025. Scheduled from July 13 to 15, the event will gather over 100 mosque managers and volunteers to discuss strategies for promoting mosques as inclusive spiritual tourism landmarks. Organised by the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), the conference aligns with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. Key objectives include increasing mosque tourism sites, expanding volunteer participation, and improving mosque readiness for domestic and international visitors. ITC acting director-general Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin emphasised that the initiative highlights mosque architecture and heritage while fostering cross-cultural understanding. 'Mosques should be inclusive spaces that welcome everyone with respect,' she said. The three-day programme includes sessions such as 'Jelajah Rohani di Masjid Inspirasi', 'Kemas dan Karisma', and 'Suara Masjid, Wajah Islam'. Participants will also visit the Beijing Mosque in Rantau Panjang and Desa Gemalai Baruh Padi Alami in Kampung Lubok Jambu. A key outcome of MTRT 2025 will be a joint resolution to guide future mosque tourism development. Additionally, Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan will launch the digital mosque tourism directory 'Echoes from the Domes' on July 14. The e-directory provides detailed information on 51 selected mosques nationwide, aiding travellers in planning spiritual journeys. 'Echoes from the Domes is set to expand Malaysia's cultural footprint in the eyes of the world,' said Nur Alyssa. - Bernama
Malay Mail
13-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia named top Muslim-friendly travel destination for 10th straight year
KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — Malaysia has once again reaffirmed its position as the world's leading Muslim-friendly travel destination, clinching the 'Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year' title in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025, marking a decade of dominance since the inception of the index. The prestigious accolade was presented at the 4th Halal in Travel Awards held in Singapore, with Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, accepting the award on Malaysia's behalf. In his acceptance speech, Khairul Firdaus described the recognition as a proud milestone for the nation, and a tribute to the dedication of industry players, government agencies, and local communities in positioning Malaysia as a welcoming destination for Muslim travelers worldwide. 'This award reflects the collective efforts of our tourism stakeholders who continue to champion inclusivity, accessibility and excellence in hospitality,' he said. The GMTI, developed by CrescentRating, has been tracking the performance of destinations in the Muslim travel segment since 2015. Malaysia has consistently led the rankings, underscoring its strong commitment to building and enhancing Muslim-friendly tourism infrastructure and services. Khairul Firdaus also acknowledged the pivotal role of the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), which he described as the driving force behind Malaysia's achievements. He highlighted ITC's flagship initiatives, including the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) program and the Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guides (MFTG) certification, as key enablers of industry-wide service excellence. 'In Malaysia, hospitality is not an afterthought – it is part of who we are. It is deeply rooted in our culture, our heritage and our national tourism policies,' he said, adding that the ultimate goal is to ensure every traveler feels welcomed, respected and at ease. He also expressed appreciation to CrescentRating and Mastercard for their unwavering commitment in promoting Muslim-friendly travel through platforms such as the Halal in Travel Global Summit. As the global Muslim travel market continues to grow, Khairul Firdaus noted that recognition such as this not only encourages healthy competition among destinations, but also affirms the increasing consumer influence of Muslim traveler in shaping global tourism trends. Looking ahead, he extended a warm invitation to travelers around the world to experience Visit Malaysia Year 2026, promising vibrant festivities, diverse cultures and unforgettable experiences. — Bernama
Zawya
29-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Islamic Tourism Centre heads to the Middle East with a strategic focus on Visit Malaysia 2026
DUBAI: With a clear focus on the highly anticipated Visit Malaysia 2026, the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) continues its efforts to position Malaysia as the top Muslim-friendly destination. ITC is participating in two major initiatives in the Middle East: the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, and the Saudi Arabia Sales Mission, covering three key cities across the Kingdom. Islamic Tourism Centre at Arabian Travel Market 2025 Taking place from 28 April to 1 May 2025, ITC marks its 12th consecutive year at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), participating under the Malaysia Pavilion led by Tourism Malaysia. Held annually in Dubai, ATM is an international travel and tourism event that attracts thousands of industry professionals, influential buyers, and global media, offering opportunities for networking, business development, and destination marketing. 'ATM continues to be an invaluable platform for us to showcase Malaysia as a culturally rich and diverse destination that is sensitive to the needs of all travellers, particularly Muslim women, families and youths. Our initiatives, such as the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) and the Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guide (MFTG) programme, are designed to meet the unique faith-based needs of Muslim travellers, ensuring they experience Malaysia in a way that is both comfortable and spiritually fulfilling,' said Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin, Director of the Research and Training Division and Acting Director-General of ITC. As such, ITC is showcasing over 40 curated packages, including a 5-day, 4-night relaxation tour to Perhentian Island, an investment and education-themed tour of Kuala Lumpur, and many more — all with Muslim women, youths and families in mind. Moreover, ITC will highlight key upcoming events as part of preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026. Among these is the Islamic Tourism Month 2025, scheduled from 18 August to 30 September, which will offer enticing promotions and packages on Muslim-friendly products nationwide. Another highlight is the Malaysia Umrah International Exhibition (MUIE), a new event debuting this year, aimed at reinforcing Malaysia's role as an emerging Umrah transit hub by offering a wide range of Umrah travel packages from local agencies. Visit the ITC booth at the Malaysia Pavilion (Hall 7, AS7210) or contact our representatives, Fitra Mohd Ali (+6012-7824322 / fitra@ or Ahmad Syujaie (+6013-2375163 / syujaie@ to tap into the Muslim tourist market with ITC. Forging Connections through the Saudi Arabia Sales Mission ITC's engagement in the Middle East continues with its participation in the Saudi Arabia Sales Mission, which will cover the key cities of Al-Khobar on 4 May 2025, Riyadh on 6 May 2025, and Jeddah on 8 May 2025. Nur Alyssa said, 'We are thrilled to take part in this year's sales mission to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This market has been one of the key markets for Malaysia over the years, and we are committed to reemphasising that connection by promoting our Muslim-friendly offerings. We look forward to welcoming more Saudi travellers to experience Muslim-friendly Malaysia.' Statistics from 2019 to 2024 – Saudi Arabia is among the top countries that have travelled to Malaysia. Source: Tourism Malaysia Statistics As in Dubai, ITC will aim to promote its Muslim-Friendly programmes and key events happening in 2025. Through these strategic engagements in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, ITC is confident in its mission to promote and strengthen Malaysia as a leading Muslim-friendly destination, providing a vibrant, inclusive, and spiritually rewarding travelling experience for Muslim travellers from the Middle East and beyond. About Islamic Tourism Centre Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is an entity under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia, 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) 2024, a position it has defended since the launch of the Index in 2015. Malaysia was also recognised as the Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year (OIC) and the 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 in developing and growing 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. For further details, kindly email comms@ or the following individuals: Anis Ramli, Corporate Communications Division, ITC Nadhirah Aripin, Corporate Communications Division, ITC Ainaa Izzati, Corporate Communications Division, ITC Khairul Iman, Corporate Communications Division, ITC Islamic Tourism Centre, Level 13, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia No. 2 Tower 1, Jalan P5/6, Precinct 5, 62200 Putrajaya, Malaysia via email itc@ Follow ITC on these social platforms: Facebook: Islamic Tourism Centre X: @itc_my Instagram: @itc_my YouTube: Islamic Tourism Centre
