Malaysia continues to position itself as a leading destination for Muslim-friendly tourism by showcasing its rich cultural heritage, diverse attractions, and commitment to hospitality. This dedication was evident in Unlocking Malaysia’s Gems: MFTH Familiarisation Programme, which brought together 13 tourism industry professionals and media representatives from 10 different countries under the MTCP Visitor’s Programme.
The initiative, organised by the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) with full support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) under the , ran from 27 November to 5 December 2024.
Participants experienced the finest of Malaysia’s Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH), exploring the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur, the historical treasures of Perak, the cultural allure of Penang, and the breathtaking landscapes of Langkawi.
This incredible journey is coming to an end. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the new friends I met here, and I also want to thank the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC) for their hospitality. When I go back home, I will share my experience with my colleagues, especially about the charm and beauty of Malaysia.
– Mairam Sadykbaeva, Assistant to the President, Kyrgyz Association of Tour Operators, Kyrgyzstan
This programme was really interesting for me. As the saying goes, there is no age limit for education and learning. I learned a lot, and I would like to thank the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) as well as the staff for their efforts. Thank you very much.
– Mustafa Korkutata, Cultural and Tourism Affairs Counsellor, Embassy of Turkiye Tourism and Information Office, Turkiye
I loved all the destinations we visited. It was an amazing 10 days here. My favourite destination was Langkawi Island. I love the scenery, the sea, the beaches, and all the activities.
– Rauf Ismayilov, Senior Marketing Specialist, Azerbaijan Airlines, Azerbaijan
I want to express my gratitude to the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) for organising and providing such an excellent programme. I received many positive emotions here. For example, I got to know the local culture and met people from different countries.
– Nurcha Birnazarova, Specialist, Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Economics and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kyrgyzstan
I like the nature here; everything is so picturesque and stunning. The service and people are warm and friendly, welcoming us with love and great care, with an open heart, generosity and kindness, along with its beautiful nature, showing us what true hospitality is!
– Laura Kultayeva, Tutor, Laura Prof, Kazakhstan
It feels like home. Everything is done and available to us the way we would do it at home. In South Africa, Muslims make up about 5% of the population. Because we are a minority, we have to be careful about where we go, where we eat, and what we do. But here, it feels natural. It is what it is, as it should be. We slip in seamlessly, and you can just be yourself. I think that is what my countrymen also enjoy about coming here. It was an eye-opener into Malaysia post-Covid-19 lockdown and we look forward to sending clients to Malaysia.
– Nazreen Salie, Virtual Assistant, Cape Malay Consultancy, South Africa
Malaysia is a peaceful and harmonious country with a variety of delicious foods, and halal food is easily accessible. You don’t have to worry about halal food here. I would love to live here as a second home because it is a very safe, pleasant, and friendly country.
– Khan Muhammad Sajid, Halal/Muslim-friendly Advisory, Okayama Muslim-friendly Tourism, Japan
I want to thank the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) for giving me the chance to enjoy this programme. All the staff at ITC are very enthusiastic and take good care of everyone in this programme.
– Le Hang Linh, Bureau Chief, Vietnam News Agency-Kuala Lumpur Bureau, Vietnam
It is really a fantastic opportunity to be here. Thank you so much, Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), for providing us with a chance to be in this wonderful land of Malaysia. There are two things that I want to mention here now: if you really want to create a Muslim-friendly tourism environment anywhere in the world, one is halal food, and the other is having surau or prayer facilities, which is very important.
– Hafiz Maqsood Ahmed, Editor-in-Chief, Halal Times, Japan
Malaysia is a fascinating country. The country is working diligently on Muslim-friendly tourism to promote halal food globally. I am thrilled to see the tourist destinations in Malaysia.
– Noh Navey, Chief Secretary for Administration, Cambodian Muslim Youth Alliance, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
This is my first visit to Malaysia. Thank you to Malaysia and the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) for this golden opportunity.
– Pham Van Anh, Managing Director, Indo-Pacific Travel, Vietnam
This is my first time visiting Malaysia. Malaysia is a wonderful country with various cities, such as Perak, Ipoh, Langkawi, and Kuala Lumpur. Alhamdulillah, it always welcomed us warmly.
– Fares Dif, President, Develop’ment’ Voyages, France
Terima kasih ITC. Jumpa lagi.
– Azizkhon Maksumov, Head of Domestic and Pilgrimage Tourism, The State Committee of Tourism Development of Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan
