.png)
"Faith provides the compass; family provides the purpose; tourism provides the bridge."
The World Islamic Tourism Conference (WITC), organised by the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), has evolved into more than an industry gathering. It is emerging as the foremost global forum for the ideas, relationships, and strategic conversations shaping the USD225 billion Muslim travel market.
Hosted in the Great State of Pahang Darul Makmur, the 5th edition of WITC convenes the entire value chain — from national tourism ministers, certification bodies, and hoteliers to fintech disruptors and product innovators — under one roof at The Zenith Hotel, Kuantan.
From pioneering a new tourism category in 2017 to convening a resilient global ecosystem.
The inaugural WITC, held 24–25 July 2017 in Kuala Lumpur under "Understanding and Embracing Muslim-Friendly Tourism", gave a fragmented segment a shared vocabulary, positioning Malaysia as first convener.
Convened in a hybrid format under "New Norms and Revitalisation". Seven core sessions addressed post-Covid economics, destination readiness, and urban recovery, demonstrating continuity under stress.
The 3rd edition, themed "Inspiring Balance, Transformations And Solutions" at World Trade Centre, introduced commercial exhibition elements, shifting WITC from a conference into an ecosystem.
Held 12–13 September under "Forging Connections", convening 500+ industry players across four tracks. Closed with three strategic MoUs and nine resolutions, proving WITC converts expert dialogue into commitment.
5th Edition hosted in Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur. Unveiling 4 verticals, 13 strategic tracks, 4 international MoUs, and the launch of the 5th WITC Mart.
The conference architecture is grounded on four comprehensive pillars addressing economic resilience, market expansion, governance standards, and disruptive innovation.
Transforming vulnerability into differentiation; scaling pilgrimage ecosystems and unpacking contemporary Muslim traveler psychographics.
Connecting emerging destinations with high-spending demographics across non-OIC hubs, East Asia, and South Asia through cultural soft power.
Establishing robust benchmarks that combine the rigour of formal standards with commercial agility and principled protection.
Harnessing cutting-edge AI, visual performing arts, digital showcases, and heritage folk literature to inspire the next generation.
Curated sessions spanning keynote dialogues, tech showcases, live artistic performances, and ministerial panels.
Umrah is evolving from a religious journey into a powerful regional economic ecosystem. For ASEAN, this presents an opportunity to move beyond traditional pilgrimage service into fertile intersectoral partnerships with interoperable digital infrastructure and trusted standards.
Geopolitical uncertainty is reshaping the Middle East's tourism landscape. Discover how forward-looking destinations transform vulnerability into differentiation, turning tourism into an instrument of economic diversification and cross-border cooperation.
A breathtaking visual feast brought to life by Sony Malaysia and delivered by Award-winning Visual Maestro Nazri Sulaiman, Sony Alpha Pro. Exploring the intersection of digital media, Islamic aesthetics, and scenic storytelling.
Generative AI is poised to personalize Muslim-friendly travel without replacing human hospitality. Building trusted AI centered on privacy, cultural intelligence, accurate Halal data, and human oversight.
At the heart of Malaysia Truly Asia is Halal — a framework of trust, integrity, and responsible consumption. Exploring Malay, Chinese, Indian, Indigenous, and Peranakan gastronomic convergence as a global tourism magnet.
How do we assure travelers that a 'Muslim-Friendly' experience is genuine? Shared benchmarks covering halal food, prayer amenities, family privacy, and wellness to eliminate label dilution while giving businesses room to innovate.
Protecting authentic Islamic heritage without turning living history into static museum artifacts. Exploring intelligent continuity: safeguarding architectural, spiritual, and artistic legacy while enabling new learning and tourism enterprise.
Staged by Project ZeroSix, turning words into architecture, curves into rivers, and geometry into Malay textiles. Traditional calligraphy converges with projection mapping, lighting, and sound to turn Pahang into a story written in light.
How do modern Muslim travelers plan, compare, and book? A deep dive with prominent international travel creators and filmmakers on expectations, halal transparency, family facilities, and non-OIC destination positioning.
Drawing the parallel between modern ESG frameworks and Islamic stewardship, moderation, and justice. Positioning sustainability not as external compliance, but as religious conviction in hospitality operations.
Published by the National Department for Culture and Arts Malaysia (JKKN). A staged reading with laughter, music, mischief, and heart, connecting younger generations with Malaysian traditional melodies and living folk heritage.
The next frontier of Islamic tourism lies in the cultural and economic convergence across Asia. Unpacking the massive scale, wellness, gastronomy, and nature travel demand from Cambodia, Sri Lanka, India, and ASEAN.
Reframing insurance from mere transactional policy into mutual assistance, shared responsibility, and Shariah compliance. Why principled protection can become a core pillar of Muslim-friendly travel assurance.
Extracted directly from the official Delegates Handbook. Select a day below to view full timings, ministerial ceremonies, speakers, and venues.
Witnessed on stage during the official opening ceremony on 5 November 2026, advancing Islamic tourism capacity worldwide.
ITC collaborates with King's Park Genting Highlands, an upcoming premier tourism, commercial, and integrated resort development in Malaysia. The Park's commitment to be a Muslim-friendly destination aligned with ITC's global capacity development program sets out to bring a whole new luxury experience to the Islamic travel market.
Brazil's CCBI joins as the latest international adopter of ITC's flagship MFAR (Muslim-Friendly Assurance Recognition) program. Through this alliance, CCBI will be trained and guided to develop South America's Islamic economy and tourism as Brazil dominates the regional Halal market.
The Kingdom of Cambodia becomes a key strategic partner to Malaysia in strengthening the regional Islamic tourism ecosystem and supply chain. This partnership stands as a testimonial to the global acceptance of ITC's MFAR as the only government-led global benchmark in guiding Islamic hospitality.
With generative AI taking the travel industry by storm, the Muslim traveler demographic is younger and more tech-savvy than ever. ITC teams up with Canada-based Halaali to bring a seamless digital travel experience through its highly curated AI super-app tailored for Muslim families.
On behalf of the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), it is my distinct honor to welcome delegates, ministers, and industry leaders to the 5th World Islamic Tourism Conference (WITC 2026).
As the world becomes increasingly connected, the necessity for a cohesive, innovative, and sustainable Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem has never been more vital. The 5th WITC is built upon an essential insight: Faith provides the compass; family provides the purpose; tourism provides the bridge.
This conference is designed not merely as a forum for passive discussion, but as an active incubator for actionable partnerships, industry-wide standards, and digital innovation. We look forward to welcoming you to the magnificent state of Pahang Darul Makmur.
Join ministerial delegations, industry pioneers, and global thought leaders at the 5th World Islamic Tourism Conference. Complete the registration form below to receive your delegate accreditation and schedule updates.
Official registration grants accredited delegates privileged access across all conference venues and activities.