Malaysia will host the upcoming World Islamic Tourism Mart 2012 to promote Islamic tourism.
Muslim tour packages include sightseeing tours to countries like Uzbekistan.
The Malaysia Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta), in collaboration with the Tourism Ministry, will hold the sixth World Islamic Tourism Mart 2012 in May.
The three-day event, from May 31 to June 2 at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur, is expected to attract 25,000 visitors.
Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir said the event will promote Islamic tourism, both to the regional and international market.
“It is an ideal platform for all sectors of the tourism industry to network, showcase and market their products and services,” he said in his opening speech at the event soft launch ceremony recently.
WITM 2012 can help turn Malaysia into an Islamic business and tourism hub in the region, he added.
“With over 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide, the market is a gold mine waiting to be tapped and more local travel agents are now offering Muslim tour packages,” he said.
Muslim tour packages are not only limited to Umrah and Haj packages but also sightseeing tours to Egypt, Turkey, Iran and other places.
WITM 2012 comprises a business-to-business networking session, a business-to-consumer exhibition and an international conference.
Events chairwoman Zarinah Hashim said: “We have confirmed speakers from the United States, China and the Middle East besides prominent local speakers for the forum on global tourism.
“This is a great opportunity for industry players to gain invaluable knowledge.”
Details at witm.matta.org.my or call 03-9223 8555.