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Heads up, folks! Malaysia snags the 'Top Muslim-Friendly Destination' title once more, securing a decade-long dominance in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI).
KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 - In a celebration of Muslim-friendly tourism excellence, Malaysia has regained the prestigious 'Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year' award at the 4th Halal in Travel Awards in Singapore. Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, proudly accepted the accolade on Malaysia's behalf.
Khairul Firdaus hailed this achievement as a milestone worthy of national pride. He credited the industry players, government agencies, and local communities for their unwavering commitment to making Malaysia an inviting destination for Muslim travelers worldwide. The success, he said, can largely be attributed to the Islamic Tourism Centre's (ITC) flagship initiatives.
The ITC's key programs include the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) program and the Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guides (MFTG) certification.
The MFAR program centers on ensuring tourism services and hospitality facilities in Malaysia meet the requirements of Muslim travelers. It focuses on providing Halal food options, prayer facilities, and other amenities catering to Islamic practices, thereby enhancing the quality of Muslim-friendly services across hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions[1][3].
On the other hand, the MFTG certification aims to train and certify tourist guides who can offer Muslim travelers culturally sensitive and relevant information. Guides undergo intensive sessions to equip them with knowledge about Islamic customs and practices. This ensures an enriching experience for Muslim tourists in Malaysia[4].
Khairul Firdaus emphasized that hospitality in Malaysia isn't merely a business strategy; it's deeply rooted in the country's culture, heritage, and national tourism policies. The ultimate goal is to ensure every traveler feels welcomed, respected, and at ease[2].
The GMTI, developed by CrescentRating since 2015, has been tracking the performance of destinations in the Muslim travel segment. Malaysia's consistent leadership in the rankings underscores its strong commitment to building and improving Muslim-friendly tourism infrastructure and services.
With the growing global Muslim travel market, Khairul Firdaus sees recognition like this not only promoting healthy competition among destinations but also affirming the increasing consumer influence of Muslim travelers in shaping global tourism trends.
Looking ahead, Malaysia extends a warm invitation to travelers from around the world to witness Visit Malaysia Year 2026, promising a blast of vibrant festivities, diverse cultures, and unforgettable experiences[2]. - Bernama
[1] The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) and the Global Muslim Travel Index: https://www.bersahamotive.com/2019/03/16/how-malaysia-became-the-hub-of-islamic-tourism/[2] Malaysia: A Haven for Halal Tourism: https://asiatravel.my/malaysia-a-haven-for-halal-tourism/[3] The Role of the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) in Boosting Muslim-Friendly Tourism: https://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/wps/portal/tourismmalaysia/i-want-to/media-centre/press-releases/6239-malaysia-wins-three-recognitions-at-world-halal-travel-award-2021[4] Malaysia's Muslim-Friendly Tour Guides Certification: https://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/mili-wang/malaysia-introduces-training-program-for-islamic-tourism-guides-536744
- The Award for 'Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of the Year' was proudly accepted by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MOTAC), Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, on behalf of Malaysia in Singapore.
- Malaysia's success in securing the 'Top Muslim-Friendly Destination' title once more is attributed to the Islamic Tourism Centre's (ITC) flagship initiatives, such as the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) program and the Muslim-Friendly Tourist Guides (MFTG) certification.
- The MFAR program provides tourism services and hospitality facilities in Malaysia with Halal food options, prayer facilities, and other amenities catering to Islamic practices, enhancing the quality of Muslim-friendly services.
- The MFTG certification aims to train and certify tourist guides who can offer Muslim travelers culturally sensitive and relevant information, ensuring an enriching experience for Muslim tourists in Malaysia.
