KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts to correct misconceptions about the country which can drive travellers away must go on at all times, says Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir. “For example in Malaysia, there is a misconception about what happened in Kuala Lumpur (during the Bersih 3.0 rally). “But other than (cities), we have attractions like beaches and islands in other states. It is not like the whole country was in turmoil. I believe it is the same for countries affected by the Arab Spring.
“All countries would want to see their economy continue to grow and tourism is usually an important sector.
“For us, it is the second largest sector,” he said after opening the World Islamic Tourism Mart here yesterday. In his opening speech, Mukhriz said Muslim tourism was rapidly growing globally and several countries have started to cater specifically to the segment.
Malaysian Association of Travel and Tour Agents (MATTA) president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun said the association would be releasing a set of guidelines for its members on the requirements of the Muslim customers.“The guidelines are being prepared with guidance by Jawha and would be announced soon.“We want to make sure that operators offer real Muslim packages,” Mohd Khalid said at the tourism mart.
MATTA vice-president (outbound) Jeffri Sulaiman said the guidelines came about after complaints from customers who purchased Muslim tour packages claiming that some tour operators were insensitive to their requirements. “A Muslim tour goes beyond just providing halal meals. It includes small things like giving directions to the Kaabah. “We are concerned with the labelling of Muslim tours. If an operator does not understand their needs, they cannot call it a Muslim tour,” said Jeffri.
-thestar online.
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