The 4th World Islamic Tourism Conference (WITC) is poised to become a pivotal event for the Islamic tourism industry, as it gathers over 40 local and international experts at the Sunway Resort Hotel in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, on September 12 and 13.
Themed “Forging Connections,” WITC 2024 will delve into the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges facing the rapidly expanding Muslim tourism market.
Understanding Muslim Tourists
One of the core focuses of WITC 2024 is to deepen the understanding of Muslim tourists, a demographic that is increasingly influencing global travel trends. With sessions dedicated to exploring the unique needs and preferences of this group, the conference aims to equip industry professionals with the tools they need to better cater to Muslim travelers.
Shahzad Younas, the founder of Muzz, a digital platform revolutionizing how Muslims meet and marry, will share his insights on the burgeoning opportunities within the digital space for Muslim tourists. Younas, whose startup is listed among the top five digital Islamic economy startups, will highlight how digital platforms can enhance the travel experience for this growing market segment.
A highlight of the conference is expected to be the keynote address by Omar DaCosta Shahid, a renowned specialist in Muslim content and influencer marketing. Shahid, recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and among the 100 Most Influential British Muslims, will discuss “Bridging the Non-mainstream, Mainstream: Connecting Across Boundaries.”
His speech will likely focus on the integration of faith and business in marketing, providing valuable strategies for those looking to appeal to Muslim consumers.
Promoting Islamic Heritage
The conference will also shine a light on how destinations can leverage their Islamic heritage to attract tourists. Marta Fernández Martín, Director of the Spain Tourism Board, will participate in a panel titled “Promoting Islamic Heritage as a Driver for Tourism.”
Spain, with its rich Islamic history, has been actively promoting its heritage sites to draw Muslim travelers. Martín is expected to share insights into Spain’s strategy and its success in this endeavor.
Building a Robust Islamic Tourism Ecosystem
Standards and certifications are critical in building a reliable and robust Islamic tourism ecosystem. Alex Castaldi, Chief Operating Officer of Sunway Hospitality Group, will address this issue during the panel “Standards: The Key to Winning Over Muslim Tourists.” Castaldi will discuss the importance of adhering to high standards and obtaining relevant certifications to meet the expectations of Muslim travelers and ensure their comfort and satisfaction.
As the Islamic tourism market continues to grow, WITC 2024 serves as a vital platform for industry leaders to share knowledge, forge new connections, and explore innovative solutions to cater to this expanding demographic.
Industry professionals, including hoteliers, airline companies, restaurateurs, and tourism product owners, are encouraged to register early to secure their participation and take advantage of the 50 percent early bird discount, available until August 31.
For more information visit the WITC website.
