SESRIC participated in the “Introductory Session on Muslim-Friendly Tourism (MFT)”, which was organized virtually by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on 29 August 2023. The Session aimed at introducing the MFT concept to the public and private sector tourism stakeholders in Guyana. Dr. Cem TINTIN, Senior Researcher at the Economic and Social Research Department of SESRIC, attended the Introductory Session on the behalf of the SESRIC and delivered a detailed presentation on Muslim-Friendly Tourism.

The event started with the welcoming remarks of Ms. Cristen Ramdolar, Tourism Development Officer at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, and continued with an opening speech of Ms. Surujdai Ragubar, Assistant Director at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

Following the opening session, Dr. TINTIN delivered a presentation on Muslim-Friendly Tourism briefing the participants about the basic concepts and definitions of MFT and highlighting its growing importance in the global tourism market. In his presentation, Dr. TINTIN also highlighted the efforts of the OIC and its relevant institutions to develop this niche segment of travel and tourism industry in OIC member countries. The event concluded with the closing remarks of Ms. Jewel Fredericks, Tourism Development Officer at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. Ms. Fredericks thanked the participants, SESRIC and the OIC for their active participation while emphasising the plans of Guyana to develop MFT services and products to unleash its untapped potential in the country.

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