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বৃহঃস্পতিবার, ২৭ আগস্ট ২০২৬
১১ ভাদ্র ১৪৩৩
১১ ভাদ্র ১৪৩৩
Wednesday, 26th August 2026
Malaysia Seeks to Become Global Hub for Muslim Tourism Economy
25 August 2026 22:08 PM
NEWS DESK
Malaysia aims to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading Muslim-friendly tourism destinations and establish itself as a global hub for the Muslim tourism economy, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
Speaking at a conference held on the sidelines of the World Islamic Tourism and Trade Exhibition (WITEX) 2026 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, Ahmad Zahid said tourism should be integrated with halal products and services, innovation, trade, technology and local entrepreneurship to create a more comprehensive economic ecosystem.
Such an approach, he said, could generate new opportunities for entrepreneurs, small businesses and local communities.
“The economic contribution of a tourist does not stop at a hotel booking,” Ahmad Zahid said, emphasizing that every trip generates demand for transportation, food, retail products, entertainment, digital services, local goods and cultural experiences.
He said tourism should therefore be viewed as a sector capable of generating a multiplier effect across the wider economy.
According to Ahmad Zahid, the number of Muslim tourists worldwide reached 196 million in 2025 and is projected to rise to 262 million by 2030. Spending by Muslim travellers is also expected to reach $310 billion during the same period.
He said the expectations of Muslim travellers are evolving. While halal food, prayer facilities and Muslim-friendly accommodation remain important, travellers are increasingly seeking experiences related to business, wellness, culture, nature and adventure.
Malaysia must respond to these changing preferences by adopting new technologies, strengthening technical and vocational education and training, developing a skilled workforce and further enhancing halal and Muslim-friendly tourism standards, he said.
Ahmad Zahid also highlighted the potential of attracting tourists from West Asia, saying recent developments in the region have prompted some travellers to consider destinations in Southeast Asia.
He called for greater use of platforms such as WITEX to promote Malaysia to these travellers and strengthen the country’s position in the global Muslim tourism market.
The fourth edition of WITEX, organized by the Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA), was held from August 21 to 23. The event brought together stakeholders from Islamic tourism, halal trade, investment, innovation and cultural sectors.
The Malaysian government’s renewed focus on Muslim-friendly tourism reflects its broader effort to connect tourism with the halal economy and ensure that the benefits of international travel extend beyond the traditional hospitality sector to local businesses and communities.
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