
The leadership team of the Asia Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (AITEX) 2024 poses for a group photo. In the middle right stands Datuk Dr. Mohd Khalid Harun, MATA President & Chairman of AITEX, and in the middle left stands Dato’ Jeffri Sulaiman, CEO of AITEX.
By Mike Paul
KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 – The Asia Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (AITEX) 2024 and the World Islamic Tourism Awards 2024, set for August 23-26, 2024, at Sunway Resort Hotel, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, aim to become landmark events in the Islamic tourism and trade sectors.
Organised by the Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA), AITEX 2024 is poised to attract a substantial number of trade and general visitors to foster understanding, collaboration, and economic growth.
Chief Executive Officer of AITEX 2024, Datuk Jeffri Sulaiman, said, “Visitors are categorized into two types: Trade Visitors and General Visitors. As of now, we have confirmed registrations for Trade Visitors, both from Malaysia and abroad, amounting to 1,500. For the general visitors, meaning tourists or visitors from Malaysia, particularly from the Klang Valley, we are expecting around 15,000 visitors in one instance,” he said at the press conference at the pre-launch of AITEX 2024 here on Wednesday.

AITEX CEO, Datuk Jeffri Sulaiman (right) and MATA President & AITEX Chairman of AITEX, Datuk Dr. Mohd Khalid Harun at the press conference held in conjunction with the pre-launch of AITEX 2024
AITEX will feature an expansive exhibition covering over 3,000 sqm of space, showcasing a diverse range of sectors including tourism, Islamic jewellery, and Islamic finance. The expo will be open to trade visitors and the general public from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
Meanwhile, President of MATA & Chairman of AITEX, Datuk Dr. Mohd Khalid Harun, said, “MATA is thrilled to host AITEX 2024 and the World Islamic Tourism Awards 2024 as this event represents a unique opportunity to celebrate and advance the Islamic tourism and trade sectors, fostering greater understanding, collaboration, and economic growth.
“We look forward to welcoming participants and attendees from around the world to this significant event,” he added.

MATA President & AITEX Chairman, Datuk Dr. Mohd Khalid Harun (left) – AITEX 2024 is poised to be a landmark gathering for the global Islamic tourism and trade sectors.
Key Highlights of the Event
Exhibitors from countries such as Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Zambia, Thailand, Indonesia, Iraq, Turkey, Langkawi, Pahang, Perlis, Brunei, China, Saudi Arabia, Batik Air, Selangor Homestay, and many more will be present. This provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural and economic offerings of these regions.
- Exhibitions: A showcase of the best in Islamic tourism, jewellery, and finance from a diverse range of countries.
- Islamic Tourism Conference: Themed “Embracing Diversity: The Promise and Potential of Islamic Tourism,” featuring 15 distinguished speakers over two days (August 23-24, 2024).
- Ministers and CEOs Summit and Tourism Investment Asia: On August 25, 2024, this summit will bring together top ministers and CEOs to discuss and explore critical investment opportunities in Asia’s tourism sector.
Thanking the supporting partners, Mohd Khalid said, “We are pleased to announce that Batik Air is the Partner Airline and Sunway Resort Hotel is the Partner Hotel for AITEX 2024. This event is also supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
Touching on the awards and recognition, he disclosed that the grand finale of AITEX will be the World Islamic Tourism Awards 2024, celebrating excellence and innovation in the Islamic tourism industry.
“These awards will recognize outstanding achievements across various categories, including Best Islamic Tourism Destination, Best Islamic Hotel/Resort, Innovation in Islamic Tourism, Best Halal Culinary Experience, and Outstanding Contribution to Islamic Tourism,” he said. The awards gala dinner will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024, at The Grand Ballroom, Sunway Resort Hotel.
About Asia Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo
The Asia Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo is a premier event dedicated to showcasing the richness and diversity of Islamic tourism, jewellery, and finance. It aims to create a platform for networking, collaboration, and growth within these sectors.
About World Islamic Tourism Awards
The World Islamic Tourism Awards celebrate excellence in Islamic tourism by recognizing the achievements and contributions of individuals and organizations that have made significant impacts on the industry.
• TNS News
