Latest news with #MTRT)2025

Barnama
a day ago
- Business
- Barnama
MTRT 2025 Platform To Foster Understanding, Strengthen Unity
KOTA BHARU, July 15 (Bernama) -- The Mosque Tourism Roundtable (MTRT) 2025 serves not only as a discussion platform but also as a medium to raise awareness among mosque management of the vast potential of mosques as tourism products rooted in spirituality, history and community. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said the sharing and engagement session demonstrated mosques' readiness to enhance their facilities, services and approach in welcoming visitors from across the country, regardless of religion or race. 'Mosque tourism should be viewed as a bridge that connects visitors to Islamic values, heritage and moderation, while also fostering dialogue between cultures and religions. 'With the commitment of local authorities and the concerted efforts of all parties, I am confident that Malaysia can emerge as a global leader in the tourism sector,' he told Bernama. Khairul Firdaus said that in the context of Malaysia's position as a global leader in Islamic tourism, the ministry's long-term vision was to make mosques among the key tourism products that showcased the wealth of Islamic heritage, architecture and universal values. 'We have mosques with impressive architecture and a wealth of historical significance, ranging from centuries-old structures to modern designs that reflect the country's progress. 'However, this physical beauty must go hand in hand with effective presentation so that tourists can appreciate the cultural, spiritual and social values embodied by the mosque,' he said. Khairul Firdaus said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), through the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), was committed to expanding mosque involvement in the tourism sector, including those in rural areas and states with their own tourism potential. 'We also encourage closer collaboration between mosques and industry players, including travel agencies, hotels and local authorities.


The Sun
6 days ago
- 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