Industry Leaders To Gather At The 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference In Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Over 40 local and international experts will speak at the 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference (WITC), scheduled to take place at Sunway Resort Hotel in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, on Sept 12 and 13, making it a key gathering for Islamic tourism.

Themed "Forging Connections," WITC 2024 aims to help participants stay informed about the latest trends in the Muslim tourism market, according to a statement shared with Bernama, here, on Thursday.

The conference will cover four key tracks: Understanding Muslim Tourists, Muslim-Friendly Travel and Community, Growth and Opportunity, and Inclusivity -- designed to provide attendees with the knowledge needed to grow their businesses, create more appealing products, and address various industry challenges.

One of the keynote speakers, Omar DaCosta Shahid, a specialist in Muslim content and influencer marketing, is recognised in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and among the 100 Most Influential British Muslims. 

He is expected to deliver a keynote titled "Bridging the Non-mainstream, Mainstream: Connecting Across Boundaries," where he will likely explore how to integrate faith and business in marketing.

Another keynote speaker, Shahzad Younas, the founder of Muzz app, which is listed among the top five digital Islamic economy startups, will speak about the opportunities in the digital space for Muslim tourists. 

Muzz, known for revolutionising how Muslims meet and marry, has been featured by outlets such as BBC, The New York Times, and CNN.

The conference is also set to include several panel discussions, added the statement.

Director of the Spain Tourism Board, Marta Fernández Martín, is expected to participate in a segment titled "Promoting Islamic Heritage as a Driver for Tourism," where she will likely discuss Spain's strategy for highlighting its Islamic heritage to attract tourists. 

Additionally, Chief Operating Officer of Sunway Hospitality Group, Alex Castaldi, will weigh in on the importance of standards and certifications in building a robust Islamic tourism ecosystem during the panel titled "Standards: The Key to Winning Over Muslim Tourists."

Industry professionals, including hoteliers, airline companies, restaurateurs, and tourism product owners, are encouraged to register early to take advantage of the 50 per cent early bird discount, valid until Aug 31. 

Registration details can be found at https://form.evenesis.com/WITC2024, and further inquiries directed to comms@itc.gov.my.

-- ⁠BERNAMA