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Islamic Tourism Month 2023

Malaysia was named the top country in the region of the Muslim-Friendly Tourism & Hospitality (MFTH) sector by the State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) Report 2022. Malaysia also retained its 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. Among other accolades, Malaysia has been recognised as the Top Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year (OIC) 2015, including Top Muslim Women-friendly Destination of the Year in Halal in Travel Awards 2023.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MOTAC) is targetting a revenue of RM49.2 billion this year from visitor arrivals of 16.1 million, of which 20% is expected to be Muslims.

Perak Menteri Besar YAB Dato' Seri Haji Saarani Mohamad
Perak Menteri Besar YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Saarani Mohamad

In view of the potential that Malaysia has in the Muslim-friendly travel sector, the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), an agency established by MOTAC in 2009, is going all out to ramp up its promotions of Muslim-friendly tourism experiences in time for Visit Malaysia Year 2024, with the launch of Islamic Tourism Month (ITM) 2023. The event was held in Ipoh on 18th August 2023 by Perak Menteri Besar YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Saarani Mohamad at Casuarina Convention Centre. He was accompanied by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan alongside Director-General of ITC Nirzan Noodrin. Aptly, 2023 is Visit Ipoh Year while 2024 is Visit Perak Year.

Perak Menteri Besar YAB Dato' Seri Haji Saarani Mohamad launches Islamic Tourism Month 2023 by scanning the QR Code during the launch gambit
Perak Menteri Besar YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Saarani Mohamad launches Islamic Tourism Month 2023 by scanning the QR Code during the launch gambit

This month-long celebration starts from 21st August until 17th September 2023. Previously known as Islamic Tourism Week, the inaugural Islamic Tourism Month lasts for 28 days and will have ten events in eight categories, with the support of more than a hundred strategic partners. ITM 2023 will showcase a diversely unique array of Muslim-friendly products and services, in the form of events, activities, besides other Islamic offerings throughout Malaysia.

Video: Launching Ceremony of Islamic Tourism Month 2023

During ITM 2023, apart from special promotions on accommodations, travel packages, wellness experiences, food & beverages, retail offers, events, seminars as well as exhibitions, a “Mosque Open Day” is also co-organised with prominent mosques in the country to present a special tour for the public.

ITM 2023 presentation by Director-General of ITC Nirzan Noodrin
ITM 2023 presentation by Director-General of ITC Nirzan Noodrin

For the convenience of travellers, ITM 2023 is enhanced by the use of QR technology for instant access to updated information and exclusive offers by ITM partners for the entire duration of ITM 2023. The public can partake in a Tiktok challenge to win special prizes sponsored by different industry partners. Among the top prizes are 30 prepaid cards preloaded with RM1000, sponsored by Mastercard. Log on to the official website of ITM 2023 for detailed information: https://itm2023.itc.gov.my

During the launch, the Menteri Besar of Perak YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Saarani stressed that Perak had always strived to be the lead example in spearheading the experience economy through Islamic Tourism, which is part of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Blueprint.

cultural dance performance
cultural dance performance

He said, “With the support of the Federal Government and the cooperation of our communities, we have embarked on a journey to transform Perak into a premier Muslim-friendly destination in line with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Blueprint. Islamic Tourism Month 2023 is the beginning of an exciting chapter, as we look forward to the grand event of Visit Perak Year 2024.”

Perak targets the arrival of 8 million domestic and 350,000 foreign tourists with an expected revenue of over RM10 billion for 2024. To tap into the growing Muslim tourism market, travellers from around the world can experience an enriching and spiritually fulfilling experience that aligns with Islamic values, culture plus traditions.

launch event of Islamic Tourism Month 2023 at Casuarina Convention Centre Ipoh
launch event of Islamic Tourism Month 2023 at Casuarina Convention Centre Ipoh

ITC’s Director-General Nizran Noordin highlighted that the events and activities during ITM 2023 have been specially curated to provide an immersive experience not only to Muslim travellers, but also visitors of other faiths. He added, “ITM 2023 serves as a platform to create immense value for the industry, tourists, and public. While it fosters mutual understanding and promotes Islamic lifestyles and heritage, it also nurtures stronger bonds of friendship and harmony among people from different walks of life.”

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan affirmed Malaysia’s aspirations to become the Umrah Hub of the region, where pilgrims from neighbouring countries can spend time holidaying in Malaysia before or after their trip to Makkah or Madinah. “More details on this will be announced soon. I assure you that this is a move that will most definitely benefit Malaysians in the tourism industry and beyond,” he added.

To identify Muslim-friendly establishments, besides the Halal logo, look out for the new mfar Malaysia logo, which stands for “Muslim-friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition” status.

at the press conference (L-R): ITC Director-General Nizran Noordin, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Perak Exco for Tourism YB Loh Sze Yee and Mayor of Ipoh YBhg. Dato' Rumaizi bin Bahrin
at the press conference (L-R): ITC Director-General Nizran Noordin, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Perak Exco for Tourism YB Loh Sze Yee and Mayor of Ipoh YBhg. Dato’ Rumaizi bin Bahrin

Other dignitaries who graced the momentous launching ceremony of Islamic Tourism Month 2023 included Perak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Dato’ Mohamad Zahid Abdul Khalid, Perak Exco for Tourism YB Loh Sze Yee and Mayor of Ipoh YBhg. Dato’ Rumaizi bin Bahrin.

Event: Launch of Islamic Tourism Month 2023
Venue: Casuarina Convention Centre, Ipoh
Date: 18th Aug 2023
Time: 3pm

With love

2 thoughts on “Islamic Tourism Month 2023

  1. It’s great to see Malaysia being recognized as the top country in the Muslim-Friendly Tourism & Hospitality sector. The accolades and awards speak volumes about Malaysia’s commitment to providing exceptional experiences for Muslim travelers.

    I was particularly excited to read about the launch of Islamic Tourism Month 2023. ✨ The month-long celebration sounds like a fantastic opportunity to showcase the diverse array of Muslim-friendly products and services in Malaysia. And with events in various categories, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

  2. I must say, the use of QR technology for instant access to information and exclusive offers during ITM 2023 is such a clever idea. It definitely adds a modern touch to the whole experience. And let’s not forget about the TikTok challenge and the chance to win special prizes! I’m sure that’ll get people excited and engaged.

    It’s also impressive how Perak is aiming to become a premier Muslim-friendly destination. The Perak Sejahtera 2030 Blueprint seems like a solid plan to elevate the tourism industry in the region. And with Visit Perak Year 2024 on the horizon, there’s even more to look to!

    , I’m just really impressed by Malaysia’s to promoting Islamic tourism and creating enriching experiences for visitors of all backgrounds It’s clear that a lot of thought effort has gone into making Malaysia a top destination for Muslim travelers. Keep up the fantastic work! ✨

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