PUTRAJAYA, May 25 – The Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), is exploring Kazan, Russia, to tap into its sizeable Muslim population and introduce Malaysia’s Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality offerings. By participating in a series of strategic meetings, ITC aims to understand the needs of this market and engage with local tourism industry stakeholders to foster collaborations.

Key engagements include participation in the 15th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World Kazan Forum 2024” on 15 May 2024, and presenting at a roundtable on halal tourism standards. Additionally, ITC will join the inaugural Malaysia-Russia Working Group on Tourism Cooperation to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH) and Umrah hub. Mr. Nizran Noordin, Director-General of ITC, emphasized the importance of these initiatives in showcasing Malaysia’s vibrant offerings, forging strategic partnerships, and promoting cultural understanding between Malaysia and Russia.