Muslim Friendly Tourism:
Developing and Marketing MFT Products and Services
In the OIC Member Countries
134
Launch MFT related innovative programs: Propose and support the development of
innovative and creative MFT products and services initiatives to build and
strengthen MFT market credentials. An example would be a month long or a week
long Muslim lifestyle festival that would encompass modest fashion retailer
promotions/ show, Halal/ Islamic heritage cuisine, Nasheed shows, and MFT
themed theater.
Joint promotions with airlines: As highlighted in the Opportunities section,
marketing partnership with local and international airlines targeting key Muslim
traveler source markets can be considered to build momentum and develop the
Muslim travel market.
Aggregated promotions: Facilitate coordination among MFT interested industry
players to develop and promote a common online marketing platform with
promotional offers.
3.
Bilateral cooperation:
MFT ‘Progressing’ and ‘NewMarket’ OIC Countries
The Malaysian and Indonesian governments have cooperated in technical knowledge exchange
in the area of MFT as well as in jointly promoting their destinations. Other OIC countries that are
in close proximity should similarly consider bilateral cooperation.
MFT ‘
Mature Markets
’ OIC Countries
An area of bilateral cross-promotion for MFT ‘Mature Markets’ would be to develop longer term
initiatives such as ‘Partner City’ program or a ‘student exchange’ program with MFT credentials
as a focus.
‘Mature Markets’ should mentor ‘new markets’ and provide technical expertise on how to best
cater to the MFT market as well as how to develop successful promotions.
4.
Global cooperation
:
MFT ‘
Progressing’
and ‘NewMarket’ OIC Countries
Besides bilateral opportunities, a variety of multi-lateral global platforms should be engaged with
to develop the countries MFT market. Specifically:
Engage in Halal related standards development global platform: The Standards and
Metrology Institute for the Islamic Countries (SMIIC) is developing standards across
the OIC markets that include standards for Halal travel compliance. Active
participation in this forum would allow for knowledge exchange as well as
influencing the development of such standards.
‘Islamic economy’ global events engagement: Participating and representing MFT
market development at international ‘Islamic economy’ forums such as the World
Islamic Economic Forum, Global Islamic Economy Summit, World Halal Forum,
World Halal Travel Summit, etc.
MFT ‘
Mature Markets
’ OIC Countries