Background

On 20th February 2009, the Government of Malaysia approved the setting-up of the Islamic Tourism Centre as a company limited by guarantee. The Centre has been launched on 16th March 2009 at Auditorium, Al-Azim State Mosque, Melaka by the Governor of Melaka and Minister of Tourism, Malaysia. It is to be supervised by a Board of Directors comprising of both Government officials and representatives from private sector. The Centre's core activity is to facilitate the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia in undertaking strategic research for tourism policy formulation that will enhance travel aand sustainable tourism development of the Malaysian tourism industry. It is to compliment and supplement the Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Malaysia and other relevant tourism organisations in areas devoted to sustainable tourism and serve as an advisory's capacity.

Strategic Objectives of the ITC

The Islamic Tourism Centre’s core activity is to facilitate the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia in undertaking strategic research for tourism policy formulation that will enhance travel and sustainable tourism development of the Malaysian tourism industry.

The Centre is to compliment and supplement the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia, Tourism Malaysiaand other relevant tourism organisations in areas devoted to sustainable tourism and serve as an advisory’ capacity.

In undertaking this task, ITC shall pursue the following strategic objectives:

i. To Serve as a focal point for tourism strategic research on market intelligence;

ii. To undertake tourism research projects;

iii. Collaborate with local and international tourism research institutes and institutes of higher learning;

iv. To provide capacity building in tourism development; 

v. Undertake Information exchange on sustainable tourism best practices; and

vi. To facilitate in tourism study visits and attachments with the aim of building friendship and networking.

Scope of Activities

The ITC shall undertake the following activities to advance the above strategic objectives.

a) Formulate a resource mobilization and business plan for undertaking strategic research;

b) Serve as ‘advisory’ in identifying global tourism trends and forecasting for sustainable tourism growth and development for Malaysia;

b) Organise capacity building courses on tourism skill services and standards;

c) Undertake Information exchange in sharing of sustainable tourism best practices; and

d) Facilitate in tourism study visits and attachments with the aim of building friendship and networking.