Sunday, August 25, 2024 In a landmark decision that marks a new era in the Islamic tourism industry, the Minister and CEOs Summit at AITEX 2024 concluded with a unanimous resolution to rebrand the Asia Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (AITEX) as the World Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (WITEX). This proposal, brought forward by Mr. Shahid Yousuf Adam from Orient Travel Zambia, has been celebrated as a transformative move that broadens the expo’s scope to a global level, recognizing the vast, untapped potential of Islamic tourism worldwide.
The transition from AITEX to World Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (WITEX) is more than just a name change; it represents a strategic shift to position the expo as the leading international platform for stakeholders in the Islamic tourism and trade sectors. The rebranding decision was reached after extensive discussions among CEOs and key industry players, reflecting the expo’s growing global reach and the increasing participation of countries beyond Asia. World Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (WITEX) aims to serve as a comprehensive platform where industry leaders can converge to discuss, collaborate, and innovate, driving the future of Islamic tourism on a worldwide scale.
Countries such as Cambodia, the Philippines, Brunei, Thailand, Singapore, Zambia, Egypt, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan, among others, have expressed strong support for the rebranding. They emphasized the need for a unified global platform capable of addressing the unique demands of Islamic travelers and businesses. World Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (WITEX) is set to build on the solid foundation established by AITEX, which has already become a crucial event in the Islamic tourism calendar.
With its new identity, World Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (WITEX) will enhance its appeal and accessibility to a broader audience, attracting exhibitors, trade buyers, and visitors from across the globe. During the Summit, Dato’ Dr. Mohd Khalid Harun, President of the Malaysian Tourism Agency Association (MATA), underscored the significance of this transition: “Islamic tourism is no longer confined to a single region.
It is a dynamic, global industry that requires a platform capable of representing its diverse interests. World Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (WITEX) will be that platform, bringing together the world’s leading voices in Islamic tourism and trade.” World Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (WITEX) will continue to be hosted at the Sunway Resort Hotel in Bandar Sunway, Selangor, from August 22 to 24, 2025, reflecting Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to being a central hub for Islamic tourism.
The event is expected to attract even greater participation from international exhibitors and delegates, further solidifying its status as a leading global event. As World Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (WITEX), the expo will feature a comprehensive program including high-level conferences, trade exhibitions, networking sessions, and award ceremonies. The focus will remain on showcasing the latest trends, products, and services in Islamic tourism and trade while fostering meaningful discussions on the challenges and opportunities within the industry.
The rebranding of AITEX toWorld Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (WITEX) represents a bold new chapter for the Islamic tourism industry. Positioned as the world’s foremost event in Islamic tourism and trade, World Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (WITEX) is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future, providing a truly global platform for industry players to connect, collaborate, and create lasting impacts. With this historic resolution, World Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (WITEX) is poised to reflect the growing importance of Islamic tourism on the global stage and its potential to drive economic growth and cultural exchange worldwide.
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