TOURISM Malaysia is running a special week-long programme for tour operators, celebrities and the media from around South-east Asia this week, the country’s largest source of tourists.
Known as the ASEAN Explore Quest Malaysia 2013, the NTO has invited 92 people to participate in the trip and explore Malaysia’s various destinations. The programme, held in conjunction with the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014, began on Monday and will end on Sunday.
Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, director-general of Tourism Malaysia, said: “With good land connectivity, an established network of low-cost regional airlines and a growing trend of impulse travel among urban working adults and families, South-east Asia will remain by far the top source market for Malaysia’s tourist arrivals in the coming years.”
He described the week-long programme as an “educational tour” as participants will get a first-hand experience of the tourism products in Kuala Lumpur, Perak and Langkawi. “Throughout the journey, participants will be exposed to various tourism elements such as local cultures, heritage, nature and luxury tourism.
“By giving travel consultants a first-hand experience of the various parts of Malaysia, we hope they can provide exciting and attractive holiday packages, while the media can share first-hand experiences with their readers and South-east Asian celebrities can help to boost the promotion of the country’s tourist destinations and raise awareness of VMY 2014 through social media and their fan clubs.”
Krizia Tan, manager at Davao-based Travel Best Guide, said she would be able to better promote Malaysia to her customers and come up with innovative packages having experienced the attractions first-hand.
Arrivals from South-east Asia last year numbered 18.8 million, or 75.1 per cent of the 25 million tourists to Malaysia. The country is aiming for 28 million arrivals to Malaysia during VMY 2014, of which 20.6 million are expected to come from the region.
