ITC-CRESCENTRATING WEBINAR TO REVEAL MALAYSIA’S SUCCESS STORIES TOWARDS BEING TOP MUSLIM-FRIENDLY DESTINATION

Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), in partnership with CrescentRating, will be conducting an upcoming webinar on Muslim-friendly Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA, 22 JULY 2021: The Muslim travel market is on the rise, a growing and expanding one with many opportunities for tourism industry players globally to leverage and prepare for in anticipation of travel beyond COVID-19. 

With an estimated 230 million Muslim population in the ASEAN region and sizeable number of Muslim travellers for intra ASEAN travel, the market potential is huge. It is predicted that with short haul flights and common borders reopening, Muslim travellers may provide a balance to the region’s travel revival when travel formalities are made easier.

In an upcoming online seminar entitled “Muslim-Friendly Malaysia Webinar” on 29 July, Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia, and co-organiser CrescentRating will be looking to spread more awareness amongst industry players, particularly those in the ASEAN region, on the potentials of the Muslim tourist market and how to leverage it.

The upcoming seminar in question is due to take place on 29 July 2021, at 3 pm Malaysian time. The panel of speakers set to be present include Director-General of ITC, Dato’ Dr. Mohmed Razip Haji Hasan; Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, Mr. Zulkifly Md Said; CEO of CrescentRating, Mr. Fazal Bahardeen; and former Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) Deputy President, Mr. Haji Akil Yusof.

Among the contents of the knowledge-sharing session include why there is a need to embrace the said market and how standards on Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality (MFTH)-related services play an important role in gaining confidence of the market. Malaysia will also share its success stories and experiences in its journey as the top Muslim-friendly tourist destination in the world – a position it defended in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2021, launched on 14 July.

“Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is ever steadfast in its commitment towards industry preparedness come the re-opening of borders when tourism and travel is allowed once again. Thus, in this upcoming seminar, I hope it will be an insightful resource for our industry players in Southeast Asia who are looking to tap into the Muslim tourist market,” said Director-General of ITC, Dato’ Dr. Mohmed Razip Haji Hasan.

As a Centre of Excellence, ITC conducts various trainings and shares its research findings with tourism industry practitioners through various webinars even during the pandemic.

“In the recently concluded Halal In Travel Global Summit, ITC was fortunate to be accorded the opportunity to be a part of of the Malaysian representation where we spoke about a wide range of issues – from strengthening our position as the top destination in the Muslim travel market, to ensuring the readiness of the industry come re-opening of international borders, and also, the role of industry players in the Muslim tourist market.”

He further added, saying: “We gathered from the feedback and reception of the event that there is a growing interest in the industry, not just regional in ASEAN but worldwide, towards the Muslim travel market. We realised, to cater to this phenomenon, more avenues such as knowledge-sharing sessions like this webinar are essential to foster greater understanding for the MFTH concept, and establish cooperation and working relationships with our fellow industry players out there.”

Generally, Muslim travellers are noted for two key trends, namely, a greater tendency to have longer stays and a higher propensity to spend more. Where their faith-based needs are concerned, two vital essentials come to mind, that is the availability of Halal food and provision of prayer facilities.

It can be said that the Muslim travel market is not just concentrated in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region alone, it is everywhere. GMTI 2021 pointed out that top destinations inbound and outbound in the Muslim travel market range from ASEAN nations such as Malaysia and Indonesia, and Central Asian nations such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, to a considerable number of non-OIC member states like Singapore, Russia, France and the United Kingdom.

The Muslim travel market goes hand-in-hand with models like Halal travel, Islamic Tourism (IT) and MFTH. Being a niche but also equally lucrative market segment, it means more specific measures are needed to ensure tourism industry players approach the market the best way possible, and this does not exclude destination management.

Dato’ Dr. Mohmed Razip is of the view that destination management should be aimed at not just sustainable tourism but also responsible tourism. 

He said: “Destination management speaks about steps to regulate the economic, social, cultural, and environmental perimeters of a tourism destination, in accordance with good governance. A key step towards sustainable tourism, the actions we take in managing our destinations should be geared towards creating an ecosystem that is favourable to our tourists, the host community or population, the industry players, as well as mother nature.”

“Responsible tourism is making travellers an active part of that community, as opposed to them just being a spectator. It should be inculcated within the culture of our tourism industry that nurturing meaningful connections with the visited communities is as important as being respectful of the environment and the local customs,” he concluded. 

ITC’s partner hotels under the Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Recognition programme, namely Mardhiyyah Hotel and Suites,  Grand Ion Delemen Genting Highlands, and DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur, will be sponsoring prizes to lucky members of the audience attending the webinar.

Register your attendance for the “Muslim-Friendly Malaysia Webinar” at https://events.crescentrating.com/Discover-Muslim-Friendly-Malaysia

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SPONSORS OF THE ITC-CRESCENTRATING MUSLIM-FRIENDLY MALAYSIA WEBINAR

Mardhiyyah Hotel and Suites 

Mardhiyyah Hotel and Suites is strategically located in the heart of the capital city of Shah Alam, Selangor. The hotel is just minutes away from the city’s tourist attractions, main shopping malls, popular parks and government offices. 

Formerly known as Grand Bluewave Shah Alam, the hotel has been extensively refurbished and elegantly enhanced to cater to the rising demand for excellent hospitality services. The lobby’s welcoming ambiance sets the tone for a truly memorable hotel experience. Guests will be charmed the moment they step into the hotel, not only by the classic decor but also the front desk team’s warmth and unique Malaysian hospitality. 

The hotel is also a short drive away from Subang Airport, KL International Airport (KLIA), and Port Klang, as well as Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Putrajaya, and Cyberjaya. 

Website: https://mardhiyyahhotel.com/ 

Grand Ion Delemen Hotel Genting Highlands 

Just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, Grand Ion Delemen Hotel Genting Highlands is one of the most preferred resort destinations in Genting Highlands. It offers an intimate urban resort experience while treating guests with an unparalleled view of Titiwangsa Range from 6,000 feet above sea level. 

This is the best choice for seasoned travellers or those who have no idea where to stay in Genting Highlands. It’s the perfect home after a last-minute shopping spree at Sky Avenue First World Plaza and Genting Premium Outlet. 

The hotel offers an extensive choice of restaurants, recreational facilities and teambuilding activities. All these ensure that guests will always have a fun and memorable stay. Excellent meeting venues are also available for private functions or corporate events for every budget. 

Grand Ion Delemen strives to deliver top-notch services, promising a stay that is not only convenient, but thoughtful, cheerful and playful. 

Website: https://www.iondelemenhotels.com/ 

DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur 

Set inside the Intermark business complex, Doubletree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur is a 5-minute walk from Ampang Park light rail station, 2km from the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and 1km from the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. 

This high-end hotel feature rooms that offer flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi and minibars. Club-level rooms add access to a lounge serving free breakfast and drinks. Suites feature living rooms with kitchenettes, or private terraces with city views. 

Vehicle parking and an area shuttle are complimentary. Doubletree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur has Italian and Malaysian restaurants. Other amenities include an outdoor saltwater pool and a 24-hour gymnasium.  

Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/kuldtdi-doubletree-kuala-lumpur/

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 (IT) 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 certification, and information exchange.

In 2021, 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 IT segment in Malaysia.

In addition, Malaysia was named top country in the region in the MFT sector by the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) Report 2020/21. Malaysia also retained the top-ranked destination in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2021, a position it has defended since the launch of the Index in 2015.

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 contact:

Islamic Tourism Centre,
Level 13, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia
No. 2 Tower 1, Jalan P5/6,
Precinct 5, 62200 Putrajaya, Malaysia
Tel: 03-8891 7177 or via email itc@mymuslimtrip.com/v2

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