Malaysia welcomed 4.5 million Muslim tourists last year. Photo courtesy of ITC Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR Malaysia welcomed 4.5 million Muslim tourists last year, generating 14.7 billion RM (over US$3.5 billion) in revenue, Director-General of the Islamic Tourist Centre (ITC), Nirzan Nordin said on September 25.

The figures prove that Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality have significant economic potential in the country, Nizran told the press.

To promote the sector, the ITC provides Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition for accommodations, as well as certification for around 220 Muslim-friendly tourist guides, he continued.

Through discussions with industry experts, ITC aims to seize opportunities and gain further understanding to develop standards that meet their requirements, towards a distinct service of Muslim-friendly tourism.

Regarding creating hotel and restaurant chains that meet the requirements of Muslim tourists, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) of Malaysia intends to strengthen ties with member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in promoting a Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem in Malaysia.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said that close cooperation with the OIC will be beneficial, as the organisation has great potential in attracting more Muslim tourists to Malaysia. He stressed that if Malaysia does not pay attention to the Muslim tourism segment, it will miss out on a huge opportunity.

Global Muslim population stands at two billion, with 1.1 billion residing in member countries of OIC, which includes 57 Muslim-majority nations. In ASEAN countries alone, there are approximately 255 million Muslims, alongside an additional 350 million living as minorities in other regions.

The Mastercard-Crescent Rating (Global Muslim Travel Index, GMTI) forecast that by 2028, the travel market will be led by 230 million Muslims, generating spending of 225 billion USD. VNA/VNS