The much criticised Visit Malaysia Year 2020 (VMY2020) logo will soon be replaced, a decision made shortly after a new tourism minister was sworn into prime minister Mahathir Mohamad’s cabinet.
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is planning a contest to find a replacement logo and “a discussion at the ministerial level will soon be held to decide on the details”, according to a report by The Star, quoting tourism minister Mohamaddin Ketapi.
The existing logo was launched by former tourism and culture minister, Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, at the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Chiang Mai in January.
Inbound operators selling Malaysia do not think a change in logo at this stage will confuse the market.
Raaj Navaratnaa, general manager, New Asia Holiday Tours & Travel, said: “We have not done (such) extensive international marketing (based on) VMY2020 that a change in logo at this stage will have an impact.”
Bobby Eng, general manager, Sunflower Holidays, is in favour of the contest format, as it will help to create buzz around VMY2020, especially if it is open to foreign participation.
Azizi Borhan, managing director, Asutra Convex, opined: “The ministry has to be fast in deciding on a new logo and relaunch it as well as the VMY2020 campaign at major travel shows that will take place from September onwards such as PATA Travel Mart, ITB Asia, IT&CM Asia and WTM.”
