On November 26th and 27th, 2014, Mr. Mohamad Ghozali, Lc. (Phil.), MM and Dr. Hidayat Yorianta conducted a workshop entitled : “Islamic Culture in Tourism” at the Torino Meeting Room, The Venetian Hotel, Macau. This Workshop, funded by the Macau Government of Tourist Office (MGTO)
Macau Government Tourist Office
in collaboration with the Office of International Affairs, Al Azhar Indonesia University (UAI), aimed at providing information on the various needs of Muslim travelers. This information is significant to Macau tourism industry, of which facilities could be made available to Muslim travelers, so they could enjoy a great vacation in Macau, without abandoning their religious obligation.
The workshop was started with the topic: Introduction to Islam, followed by a brief History of Islam, and ended with a discussion on the topic of various basic needs of Muslim travelers, including: prayer time, place, halal foods, etc, (see Outline of the Workshop). Participants were hoteliers from brand named hotels such as Sheraton, Grand Emperor, Mandarin Oriental, President, etc., various travel agencies, tour guides and MGTO staff. They were very enthusiastic, as shown by numerous questions raised during the workshop, which lead to great discussions. The workshop was closed by giving certificates to all participants, signed by the Director of MGTO, Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, and the Director of UAI-Office of International Affairs, Dr. Hidayat Yorianta.
Macau is a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China since 20th December 1999, and like Hong Kong, benefits from the principle ‘one country two systems’. Macau has a population of around 556,800 residents. Chinese and Portuguese are the official languages, being Cantonese the most widely spoken. The official languages are used in the government offices and all official documents and communication. English is generally used in trades, tourism and commerce.
Various attractions for all age categories unavailable in Macau, including Macau Science Center, Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, A MaTemple, etc. Regarding Islamic culture, it is interesting to note that one of the sites that are visited by many visitors is Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial House. This is a muslim style house, the home of Dr, Sun Yat Sen’s family. The house displays the furniture and items used by Dr. Sun Yat Sen during his medical practice in Macau. For more information on Macau tourism, please visit its website: www.macautourism.gov.mo, or contact Ms. Ningsih Chandra, ningsih@mgto.intrareps.com, the representative of MGTO in Indonesia.
Mr. Mohamad Ghozali, Lc. (Phil.), MM
Workshop Islamic Culture in Tourism
“Outline”
“Travel through the earth and see how Allah did originate creation so will Allah produce a later creation : for Allah has power over all things.”
Al Ankabut : 20
|
I. INTRODUCTION TO ISLAM
|
II. HISTORY OF ISLAM
|
|
III. ISLAMIC CULTURE In TOURISM “Having a great holiday without abandoning their praying obligation”
|
IV. HALAL FOOD, THE POTENTIAL GLOBAL MARKET
|