Malaysia: Malaysia is set to host the World Islamic Tourism and Trade Expo (WITEX 2025) and the inaugural World Cultural and Arts Festival (WCAF 2025) from August 22 to 24 at Sunway Resort Hotel, Bandar Sunway, showcasing a vibrant convergence of Islamic tourism, global trade, culture and the arts.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the event is organised by the Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA) and marks the third edition of what was formerly known as the Asia Islamic Tourism and Trade Expo (AITEX). The expo has been rebranded as WITEX to reflect the exponential growth of Islamic tourism and global trade under a new global identity.
In a statement released today, MATA highlighted that the event promises robust participation with over 150 booths from Islamic and non-Islamic countries, ASEAN, BRICS member states and the international tourism industry. The theme for the event is “Empowering the Future of Islamic Tourism and Trade through Culture and Innovation,” bringing together government officials, tourism stakeholders, investors and the public to foster trade, investment and intercultural engagement.
Admission to the expo is free for the public, with activities taking place daily from 10 am to 8 pm. WITEX 2025 will feature several high-profile segments aimed at boosting international tourism investment and cross-cultural collaboration. These segments include the World Islamic Tourism Conference (August 22-23), Ministers and CEOs Summit (August 24), Tourism Investment Asia and B2B Trade Networking Sessions.
Running alongside the business-focused components, WITEX and WCAF will offer a cultural programme for the general public, including national pavilion and cultural shows, halal travel and tour deals, as well as lucky draws and airline vouchers. The week will culminate with the World Islamic Tourism and Trade Awards (WITA 2025), a gala event recognising excellence in Islamic tourism, trade and cultural diplomacy.
To be held at the Grand Ballroom of Sunway Resort Hotel on August 25, the awards will honour outstanding agencies, corporations and leaders with over 30 accolades, complemented by musical performances and the Combo Orchestra.
Meanwhile, MATA president Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khalid Harun noted that WITEX 2025 is more than just an exhibition – it serves as a global bridge of trade and trust. It reflects Malaysia’s leadership in the Islamic tourism economy and showcases the country’s readiness to welcome the world ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
WITEX 2025 and WCAF 2025 are officially aligned with the state’s Visit Selangor Year 2025 and are a build-up to the national Visit Malaysia Year 2026. The expo is supported by the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Selangor Tourism, Etiqa Takaful, Batik Air Malaysia and Housecoff.