Kuala lumpur: The Islamic Tourism Month (ITM) 2025, held from August to September, successfully surpassed its sales target, achieving RM2.65 million, partially driven by the success of the Mosque Open Day (MOD) visits.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, announced that the fourth edition of ITM, organized by the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), also reached its goal of 160 strategic partners. This included collaborations with TGV Cinemas, Keretapi Sarong, Mohd Chan Group Berhad, and IslamiCruise.
Khairul Firdaus highlighted that in 2025, the MOD was conducted at eight mosques nationwide, attracting over 3,000 visitors and generating an income of more than RM16,000 for nearby communities. This increased the cumulative total sales income from all ITM series to over RM7 million. He shared these insights during the ITM 2025 Appreciation Ceremony.
The event also saw the presence of the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, and the acting Director-General of ITC, Nur Alyssa Coraline Yussin.
Khairul Firdaus further noted the extensive media coverage ITM 2025 received, reaching an audience of more than 340 million, while the ITM TikTok Challenge attracted 144 entries and garnered 1.7 million views. He attributed the success of ITM 2025 to efficient planning, creative programming, and the dedication of the ITC team, which transformed it into a movement that opened economic opportunities for tourism micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), strengthened community relations, and highlighted Malaysia as a tourist-friendly destination.
Shaharuddin emphasized that ITM 2025 demonstrated Malaysia’s ability to offer experiences that meet international standards while preserving cultural uniqueness and hospitality. He stressed the importance of sustainably strengthening these standards, empowering more MSMEs, and continuing targeted marketing to attract quality tourist segments. He assured that ITC would continue to play a vital role in these endeavors.
During the ceremony, 30 hotels, tour operators, and travel agencies were recognized, receiving the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR).
Prizes were awarded to participants of the ITM 2025 TikTok Challenge, with @myhalalexplorer winning the grand prize, which included a tourism package to Xi’an, China, a prepaid card, a Siti Khadijah voucher, and a TGV ticket. The second prize went to @mamaaisyatihani, who received an Islamic cruise package, among other rewards.
Shaharuddin also presented appreciation certificates to the media, including the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and IKIMfm radio station, for their coverage and contribution to the success of ITM 2025.