As more international travellers seek off-the-beaten-path destinations, tourism specialists in Malaysia are riding the trend by promoting lesser-known locations for authentic and enriching experiences.
Chairman of the Consortium of Inbound Tourism Alliance, Uzaidi Udanis, is helping to bridge the gap between rural product owners and local inbound tour operators. Through fam tours and in-person engagements, tour operators are gaining a deeper understanding of tourism products in Lenggong Valley and the outskirts of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, enabling them to design new and compelling itineraries for the international market.
Uzaidi told TTG Asia: “Through our workshop in Kuala Lumpur, we also emphasise the importance of having a B2C digital presence, as today’s travel landscape is increasingly driven by FITs who do their own research online and make decisions based on what they see on social media, travel blogs, and review platforms.
“We encourage participants to share compelling stories with attractive photographs, and to market them through renowned OTAs such as Viator, Get Your Guide, Klook and other B2C travel platforms. These channels not only boost visibility but also provide a seamless booking experience with instant confirmations, which is what today’s tech-savvy travellers expect.”
The Consortium of Inbound Tourism Alliance also encourages city hotels to showcase handicrafts made by rural communities across Malaysia, which would support local artisans and inspire foreign guests to explore the origin of these crafts and consider visiting the rural destinations where they are produced.
Irshad Mobarak, founder of JungleWalla Nature & Wildlife Tours, shared that demand for wildlife photography is experiencing steady growth, driven by travellers seeking purposeful and nature-focused experiences.
He noted that Malaysia’s rich biodiversity, ranging from rare bird species to elusive rainforest mammals, are attracting both amateur and professional photographers from overseas.
The company’s new primate-watching tours, conducted in Perlis State Park, Panti Forest, and Borneo, have earned “encouraging” responses from wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Jessica Koh, director of The Traveller Malaysia, said cultural immersion experiences are in demand post-lockdown. The company offers rural experiences in destinations within Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. Guests are encouraged to purchase local handicrafts, such as woven products, wood carvings, and beadwork.
“Buying local not only gives travellers a meaningful souvenir to take home, but it also provides a much-needed source of income for the villagers and helps preserve traditional craftsmanship,” Koh added.
