FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

Assalamualaikum and greetings to all! 

Allow me to begin by wishing everyone an Eid Mubarak 1442 AH! I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to be able to pen down a few words for this editor’s note.

The latest Barometer report by the UNWTO found that international tourist arrivals overall fell 87% in January 2021, following a dismal tourism year in 2020 that recorded a 73% dip overall.

UNWTO has also provided two possible projections for 2021 where tourism is concerned, namely, a rebound come July which would boost international arrivals by 66%, or an alternative similar situation in September accompanied by a lower rise of 22%.

Those scenarios were attained having taken into account a gradual improvement of the COVID-19 pandemic, continued vaccinations, boost in confidence to travel, and the lifting of travel restrictions in Europe and the Americas.

Flowing from that, while tourism, and the world economy as a whole, might still seem bleak as we approach the close of the first half of 2021, ITC has embraced this period as one for continuous reflection and thought on the current situation.

Since the start of 2021, ITC has continued its efforts in advocating Islamic tourism (IT) and Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality (MFTH) and bringing its potentials to the fore, by fostering greater awareness among industry players where these niche segments of tourism are concerned.

Whilst advocating for IT and MFTH on the surface, the deeper values have been one of sustainability through partnerships and collaborations thus equipping ourselves better in light of the uncertainties and challenges that lie ahead, and also building a fortified ecosystem where the tourism sphere is concerned.

I have previously stressed on ITC’s evolved perspective for 2021: “New thinking, new action, new results”. This involves a greater focus on collaboration with stakeholders while strengthening ties with industry players, and fortifying our branding both locally and abroad. 

Alhamdullilah, we have reaped the fruits of our efforts in ways we have never imagined. ITC was given the honour to receive the Strategic Business Alliance Award at the World Halal Best Brands E-Branding Awards 2021. To us, it serves as a reminder that we are doing our utmost especially in these hard times, by connecting and engaging with others, and we are inspired to continue to do so.

We are elated to share about IT and MFTH, and keep the conversations on those topics going, via available platforms and opportunities as seen through the following initiatives:

• Training course entitled “Halal Tourism and Muslim-friendly Hospitality Services” for the National Tourism Office of the Union of the Comoros, 22-26 March 2021
• Coverage of ITC’s roles and responsibilities, and its Muslim-friendly Recognition Accommodation (MFAR) in TV JAKIM’s Persada Jurnal, which aired on Malaysia’s national broadcasting station RTM on 11 April 2021
• ITC as a strategic partner for World #QuranHour, 24 Ramadan 1442AH/6 May 2021
• Coverage of ITC’s role in supporting the development of IT and MFTH ecosystems in Gaya Travel Magazine, Issue 16.1 (May 2021)
• Celebrated the onset of Ramadan by engaging key speakers to share Ramadan tips with the public in SEED webinars entitled “From Sahur to Iftar Healthy Journey”, namely:
  – Eating Well
  – Keeping Fit
  – Ziarah Terdidik

We, at ITC, once again, would like to express our gratitude and thanks to all tourism partners and friends as we continue to take on the uncertainties and challenges amidst this persistent pandemic. We hope to forge greater synergy and cooperation with all of you through our various roles, be it research, training, capacity building, industry development, standard and certification, and consultations and engagements.

Hereby, I send my best wishes to all, and may 2021 be a good year to us, insha Allah!

#StaySafe #AskGuidance #MuslimfriendlyMalaysia 

Dato’ Dr. Mohmed Razip Hasan
Director General, Islamic Tourism Centre

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