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Issue 283, Friday 30 November 2012 - 16 Muharram 1434 Brunei–Malaysia Islamic tour packages launched By Ahmed J Versi
The Brunei-Malaysia Islamic Tour Packages was launched jointly by Brunei Tourism Development Department and Islamic Tourism Centre of Malaysia. Director of Islamic Tourism Centre, Malaysia, Abdul Rahman Shaari, said the tours are “specially tailored for Muslim tourists or those who are interested in the Islamic way of life in South East Asia and would like to discover a new cultural experience.” He defined Islamic tourism as “any activity, event, experience, or indulgence, undertaken in a state of travel that is Islamically compliant, with the purpose to interface within an Islamic framework, with one or all of the following: history, arts, culture, heritage, way of life, economy, health, education and any other human interest.” Tourism in the Muslim world has increased hugely in the last decade as an alternative to the West. To tap into this market both Malaysia and Brunei have developed this market individually. However, it was felt a joint venture would make the travel for the tourists more attractive. Both countries have “many traits in common in terms of heritage, culture, history and Islam” and the travellers find “facilities that are Muslim friendly, hotels, halal restaurants, mosques, Islamic monuments etc,” said Director General, Tourism Malaysia, Dato Mirza Mohammad Taiyab. Acting Director of Brunei Tourism Development Department, Mariani Haji Sabtu, said Brunei was “rich in culture and places of interest including its picturesque scenery, our unique way of life” and will give tourists a unique experience. Brunei is also rich in ecotourism with “lush tropical rainforest that is full of flora and fauna. There are many exclusive collections of Islamic Artifacts on display at the Brunei Museum and at the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Islamic Exhibition gallery.
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