Malaysia welcomed 4.5 million Muslim tourists last year, contributing RM14.7 billion to the economy, according to Nizran Noordin, director-general of the Islamic Tourist Centre (ITC). During a guest appearance on Bernama TV’s “Apa Khabar Malaysia,” Nizran highlighted the substantial economic potential of Muslim-friendly tourism in the country.
He noted that the global Muslim population is approximately two billion, with 1.1 billion residing in Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries, which include 57 Muslim nations. Furthermore, Nizran mentioned that ASEAN countries are home to 255 million Muslims, while an additional 350 million Muslims live in minority communities around the world.
“The market is huge,” he stated, citing a Mastercard-CrescentRating report that projects the Muslim travel market will reach 230 million travelers by 2028, generating an estimated USD225 billion (RM987 billion) in spending.
To bolster this sector, the ITC offers a Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance program, which recognizes accommodations and approximately 220 Muslim-friendly tourist guides.
Nizran also announced the ongoing Islamic Tourism Month (ITM) program, running from August 16 to September 30. This initiative features various offerings, including accommodation deals, travel packages, mosque tourism, and beauty and spa services. More details about the program can be found at www.itm.itc.gov.my.
The successful growth of Muslim tourism in Malaysia underscores its potential to enhance the nation’s economy while providing welcoming experiences for travelers.
