December 2014: Jerusalem Chosen as Capital for Islamic Tourism

Following the first International Forum on Islamic Tourism, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) recently announced its choice of capital for Islamic tourism in 2016.

The selected destination: our beloved Al Quds!

Testifying to the potential significance of this decision, it is a little known fact that the OIC is the world’s second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations, comprising 57 member states. Its underlying purpose is to promote and safeguard the interests of all Muslims. How noble an interest it is to support Al Quds.

 

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry embraced the news, reminding the world that the choice of Al Quds proves the centrality of Jerusalem and its Islamic identity in the hearts and conscience of Muslims.

As increasing emphasis will now beplaced on encouraging and facilitating tourism, this presents a perfect opportunity for us to visit Al Quds, both as a means of visiting one of Islam’s holiest sites whilst at the same time morally and economically supporting the Palestinians.”