Selamat Menyambut Tadau Kaamatan

 

MyBHA offers suggestions that could help ailing hospitality industry

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Budget and Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) is demanding for assistance to be given to the hospitality and travel industries for the sake of their survival.

MyBHA deputy president Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel said the onus is on the federal and state governments, including government agencies and the private sector to cooperate to prevent further business closures and major lay offs amidst the pandemic.

"The inter-district and interstate travel bans have affected hotel operators as they would have fewer customers to serve, which would directly cause a decrease in revenue and this contributes to the reduction of workers, layoffs and finally, hotel closures.

"Many factors can be considered to lighten the burden shouldered by industry players.

"However, it seems that the authorities have failed to implement them," said Michiel in a statement today.

The association has put forth a list of requests for the government for the continuity of the hospitality and travel sectors.

The list includes a revision of the Wage Subsidy Programme and suggestions to help with electricity tariff, which can help hospitality industry players.

"We are asking them to revise the latter (electricity tariff) and suggest for it to be changed from a commercial tariff to industrial tariff rate for (hospitality) industry players.

"We want the government to implement 10 to 50 per cent discount for electricity bills till December 2021 for our industry players."

Other suggestions were for authorities to grant hospitality-related employers and employees a 12-month special exemption from contributing to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF); as well as tax exemptions for tourism industry premises for 2020 and 2021.

Michiel said MyBHA proposed for an automatic special moratorium for industry players until December 2021; and to introduce a Special Tax Incentive for the entire duration between 2020 to 2022.

He said another suggestion was for hospitality and travel industry players to be prioritised for vaccination.

He said similar to frontliners, workers in hospitality industry also deal a lot with members of the public, and this exposes them to the risk of Covid-19.

"We also demand water supply companies in the respective states to give a special discount of 50 per cent until December this year to hospitality sector, and to ensure no water cuts are made to any hotels during Movement Control Order.

"We urgently appeal for the Penjana Tourism Financing and its effectiveness to be reviewed immediately as we have been receiving negative feedback from our members."

Michiel urged for the setting up of a special division under the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, together with Finance Ministry to process all loan applications submitted by its industry players at this crucial period.

He said MyBHA hoped their demands could be met, and for their members' pleas, grievances and complaints to be taken seriously.

He urged the government to ensure immediate action is taken for the sector's sustainability during this pandemic.

-nst online.

UNWTO, Google scale up collaboration to drive tourism recovery

UNWTO has signed a MoU with Google to collaborate on harnessing the power of innovation, education, data and market intelligence to drive a sustainable and inclusive recovery for global tourism.

The new MoU builds on past cooperation between the UN specialised agency for tourism and Google, and comes as destinations in some parts of the world look to restart their tourism engines.

Notably, the two organisations will host trainings for DMOs, using a new Capacity Building Curriculum developed by Google. These sessions will empower destinations to switch to digital, with the training adapted to reflect their specific circumstances and the unique challenges every destination currently faces.

The new Capacity Building Curriculum will also complement existing joint initiatives, and a data sharing agreement for Google’s Travel Insights to power a portion of the UNWTO’s tourism recovery tracker.

Alongside this, the Tourism Accelerator Program, designed by Google in partnership with UNWTO, will also be scaled up globally. A pilot programme launched across EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) in 2020 showed the value of working with policymakers to put digital at the heart of their tourism recovery plans and the benefits of upskilling DMOs so they can make effective use of data and market intelligence.

The partnership will go beyond empowering destinations and businesses during the immediate recovery phase. Under the agreement, Google will provide ongoing support for a number of UNWTO’s leading initiatives, including Startup Competitions designed to promote and support innovation across the sector.

UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The strong partnership between UNWTO and Google will help put innovation and digital at the centre of tourism’s recovery. By working together, UNWTO and Google will empower destinations, businesses and tourism workers to realise the power of data and market intelligence, both increasingly important as global tourism looks to restart and recover.”

Looking ahead, UNWTO and Google will also collaborate on joint research projects related to tourism, providing governments, destinations and businesses with the data and insights to guide tourism towards recovery.

-TTG Asia.

Tourism Malaysia Takes On A Virtual Journey At PATA ATCM 2021

 

PUTRAJAYA, 26 May 2021 – The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia through its agency Tourism Malaysia is participating at the PATA Adventure Travel Conference & Mart (ATCM) 2021. This year, participants will be taken on a virtual journey throughout the two-day event scheduled to take place from 26th to 27th May 2021.

With ‘Re-Generation for the Adventure Industry’ as this year’s theme, PATA ATCM 2021 brings together tourism professionals involved in adventure travel and responsible tourism to discuss and create new opportunities for promoting environmental protection and social sustainability within the industry.

Participating in Asia Pacific’s leading travel trade event to connect buyers and sellers across the globe, Tourism Malaysia is joined by 10 Malaysian organisations*, consisting of six (6) industry partners and four (4) state tourism boards.

The Malaysian tourism industry is now focusing on maximising the country’s existing resources through ecotourism, rural and experiential tourism, as well as enhancing niche tourism products. Similarly, adventure travel plays a big part in Tourism Malaysia’s goal to promote Malaysia as The Top of the Mind Ecotourism Destination in the World.

In line with the National Tourism Policy 2020-2030 and the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals, Tourism Malaysia hopes to elevate sustainability in the tourism industry while highlighting the natural wonders Malaysia has to offer.

*Participating organisations:

Industry partners
Asian Overland Services, Apple Vacations Sdn Bhd, Jauhar Asia Vacations Sdn Bhd, Morahols Travel Sdn Bhd, Sunway Lagoon Sdn Bhd, and U2 Travels and Tours Sdn Bhd.

State tourism boards
Penang Global Tourism, Tourism Pahang, Tourism Perak, and Tourism Selangor.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Happy Wesak Day

 

Hoteliers target Muslim tourist market to drive their business

Sunway Hotels & Resorts was among the first to apply for Islamic Tourism Centre’s Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Recognition programme in 2020. File Photo

 

Leading hotels in Malaysia including the Hilton and Sunway brands are diversifying their options and targeting the Muslim tourist market.

They are adjusting their service offerings as they believe the Muslim tourist market holds much promise for tourism recovery beyond Covid-19.

According to Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), there are a total of 44 hotels have participated in its Muslim-Friendly Accommodation Recognition (MFAR) initiative.

The MFAR initiative promotes local hotels and resorts in Malaysia that meet the faith-based needs of Muslim tourists.

Sunway Hotels & Resorts, one of Asia's leading international hotel groups and developer of premium hotels owned by Sunway Group was among the first to apply for the MFAR programme in 2020.

Today, three of its properties in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, namely Sunway Resort, Sunway Pyramid Hotel, and Sunway Clio Hotel, have each received their Muslim-friendly recognition.

Alex Castaldi, senior general manager of hotels in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, said the group is aware that Muslim-friendly tourism is a growing market segment worth tapping into.

According to a statement issued by the group in February, it had seen a 25 per cent share of Middle East tourists in its total hotel business at the three MFAR properties.

Castaldi said Indonesia is also a big market for the group's properties.

With medical tourism in Malaysia for Indonesians on the rise, he hoped to capture a larger market share as the hotels are situated nearby Sunway Medical Centre.

Besides international tourists, the group also caters to a huge volume of domestic tourists.

Castaldi said that back in 2019, domestic tourism made up 64 per cent of the hotels' total room nights, giving more reason for the group to provide travel comforts and conveniences that cater to the local Muslims' faith-based needs.

"Given the huge potential of this sector, it's important for the hospitality industry to adapt to the halal requirements to meet the needs of Muslim tourists. A destination is then seen as increasingly attractive for Muslim travellers when such facilities and services are in place. By having this MFAR recognition by ITC, it gives the hotel an extra edge from the rest and will directly drive more arrivals to the hotel," he said in the statement.

Pullman Kuching, a five-star hotel fronting the Kuching waterfront in Sarawak also received the MFAR certification in 2020 from ITC.

Ishak Ibrahim, cluster general manager for Pullman Kuching and Pullman Miri Waterfront said in February that such a recognition helped strengthen the branding and marketing efforts carried out by the hotel.

"Though we already had all the basic services and facilities in place to meet the needs of our Muslim guests, we pursued the certification anyway so that we could use it to attract more Muslim tourists to stay with us and use our services. It makes a great marketing tool for us," he said.

Ishak further said that the hotel acknowledges the growth of the Muslim tourist market.

The latest hotelier to join the bandwagon is the international hotel brand DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur (DTHKL), managed by Hilton Worldwide.

DTHKL commercial director Bishoui Khamis said the Muslim travel market has been an important part of its business within Malaysia and he sees it as a key opportunity in the future.

"There are many reasons that guided us in arriving at our decision to obtain the MFAR certificate. We realise the potential of the Muslim travel market, and the certification is one of many steps taken to cater to this market and ensuring our Muslim guests a peace of mind while staying with us," he said in a statement shared by ITC.

Khamis said ITC's initiative will undoubtedly further strengthen the national tourism industry, especially where the Muslim-friendly travel market segment is concerned.

He is optimistic that there will be a rise in the number of Muslim guests owing to the provision of a higher level of services and offerings targeting this segment.

-nst online.

MITA urges government to prepare for tourism recovery and support industry through MCO 3.0

 

MITA urges support for tourism workers amid ongoing nationwide lockdown, Alor Setar Town pictured

In preparation for tourism reopening, the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) has called on the government to study and adopt best practices from destinations such as Qatar, Dubai and the Maldives which have successfully restarted their tourism engines.

Malaysia’s tourism sector is now in a critical stage as the country is currently under its third movement control order since the start of the pandemic, with domestic and international tourist activities banned, as the country battles to contain a surge in Covid-19 infections.

MITA president, Uzaidi Udanis, said at a recent virtual press conference that the government needed to start planning for the recovery of the country’s tourism industry, which in pre-pandemic times, was the third biggest contributor to the GDP, after manufacturing and commodities. In 2019, contribution of travel and tourism to the GDP was 13.3 per cent.

He described the current state of the travel and tourism industry as being “almost paralysed”, with players having to contend with zero income.

In a recent survey conducted by MITA, which polled its 3,000 members, the pandemic has so far forced 10 per cent of licensed travel agencies to close, and 70 per cent of companies to go dormant. While 20 per cent of its members are still active, they have had to resort to staff layoffs to reduce costs, with only one or two staff left on the payroll.

To ensure the survival of the local tourism industry, MITA urged the government to establish an automatic loan moratorium with zero interest for all loan facilities taken by industry players before March 2020. “Since all banks made huge profits in 2020, we hope banks can become a corporate role model in helping the nation during this challenging time,” Uzaidi said.

He also called on the government to waive insurance and road tax for valid registered tourism vehicles up to 2024, as operators still need to pay for annual insurance ranging from RM1,000 (US$240) to RM10,000 per vehicle per year, despite not earning an income due to the lingering pandemic.

MITA has also called for a tax waiver for all travel agents for five years from 2021, based on the projected timeline for Malaysia tourism to rebound to pre-pandemic levels. It is also hoped that travel agents will be allowed to operate from home to save on rental costs until the end of next year.

In view of the escalating Covid-19 situation in the country, MITA also urged the authorities to impose stricter restrictions during the ongoing nationwide MCO due to end on June 7, as well as to speed up the national vaccination programme so that herd immunity can be achieved faster.

-TTG Asia.

International Conference on Responsible Tourism & Hospitality ( 27 ~ 28 May 2021 )

 

International Conference on Responsible Tourism & Hospitality (ICRTH2021) on May 27-28

Theme: Rebuilding Tourism for the Future through Sustainable Development

ICRTH2021 is a professional conference featuring more than 80 international speakers of different institutions, such as UNWTO, UNESCO, PATA, government bodies, business organisations, associations and universities from 28 countries.

Apart from the opening and closing ceremonies, there are 3 keynote speeches, 1 expert dialogue, 13 professional forums and 8 workshops. Attached are two of the many sessions you do not want to miss.

Register now at http://bit.ly/icrth2021-registration (no registration fee; certificate will be provided after the event).

For more updates, visit https://sarawakresearchsociety.org/icrth2021/ or write to us at icrth2021@gmail.com

-Responsible Tourism Management fb.

MHTC aims to generate RM650mil in revenue in 2021

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aims to generate RM650 million in revenue from the medical tourism industry in 2021, assuming the country opens its borders for international travellers by the fourth quarter (Q4) this year.

Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) chief executive officer Mohd Daud Mohd Arif said the best-case scenario revenue recovery target would hinge on travellers' confidence and the public's perception on safety to assume travelling to seek medical treatment.

"The effect of Covid-19 pandemic is quite significant and unprecedented. The uncertain scenario will impact our future's forecast," he told the New Straits Times in an interview recently.

However, the medical tourism revenue could reach RM580 million in a worst-case scenario, depending on the latest development of the situation such as infection rate, borders closure and restriction, as well as the people's confidence to travel.

"If our borders do not open at all this year, international travel may not resume. Hence, we have to revise our revenue forecast," he said.

Mohd Daud said Malaysia's medical tourism revenue is estimated at RM800 million in 2020, compared to RM1.7 billion revenue posted in 2019.

"The figure (revenue estimation in 2020) is likely enough to sustain for now. We do have Malaysian patients and existing international patients residing in Malaysia seeking medical treatment," he said.

Malaysian healthcare providers excelled at cardiology, oncology, fertility, orthopaedics and cosmetic surgery with patients mainly from Indonesia, China, Indo-China (Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar).

Mohd Daud said MHTC intends to attract more patients seeking medical treatment and increase their spending amount in Malaysia to boost the country's medical tourism industry, creating a spillover impact on the local economy.

"We are cautiously optimistic for the industry. We have to portray a positive image abroad on Malaysia's quality, accessibility and affordability for our medical treatment - keys unique selling proposition for the country," he said.

Mohd Daud said the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the medical travel landscape in Malaysia and MHTC aspired to fuel the industry's growth while improving the patient's journey experience.

"We have a five-year plan to focus on the industry's recovery via close collaboration with various stakeholders including the MoH and MKN as well as private hospitals," he said.

On the government's preparation of executing vaccine passports, he said MHTC would support any movement guided by MoH and MKN on way forward.

Mohd Daud said MHTC was rebuilding the sector, promoting the country's medical tourism digitally and through its MIRC and MHRO offices abroad in making Malaysia the preferred medical destinations.

"It is our first-mover to promote Malaysia as a destination in healthcare to jumpstart the industry.

"We also work with the Association of Private Hospital of Malaysia (APHM) closely to understand on the new market they want to venture once the market opens to expand our coverage in the new market," he said.

-nst online.

Tourism Malaysia - Mission, Objective and History

 

Our Mission

Marketing Malaysia as a destination of excellence and to make the tourism industry a major contributor to the socio-economic development of the nation.

Our Objectives

Promote Malaysia as an outstanding tourist destination.

Showcase Malaysia's unique wonders, attractions and cultures.

Enhance Malaysia's share market for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE).

Increase Malaysia's tourism revenue by increasing tourist numbers to Malaysia and extend their length of stay.

Encourage tourism and its related industries in Malaysia.

Help develop domestic tourism and promote new investments in the country, as well as provide increased employment opportunities. The growth of tourism would also contribute positively to the country's economic development and quality of life.

Our History

The Tourist Development Corporation of Malaysia (TDC) was established on 10 August 1972 as an agency under the former Ministry of Trade and Industry by an Act of Parliament.

With the inception of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism on 20 May 1987, TDC was moved to this new ministry; and became the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) through the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992. 

Popularly known as Tourism Malaysia, its full focus is on promoting Malaysia domestically and internationally.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Happy Eid Mubarak from Pelancongan Kini

 

-Pelancongan Kini.

Experience Malaysia eNewsletter - May 2021

 

https://www.tourism.gov.my/files/uploads/newsletter/2021/May/

-Tourism Malaysia.

Hotels willing to impose stricter SOP

 

The tourism and hotel industry is willing to impose stricter Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to sustain their businesses during the third wave of the Movement Control Order (MCO). - NST/file pic.

KUALA LUMPUR: The tourism and hotel industry is willing to impose stricter Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to sustain their businesses during the third wave of the Movement Control Order (MCO).

In a statement, the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) president Datuk N. Subramaniam said the industry is willing to lower capacity limits, served-buffet services or limit of two per table, limited dining time, increased screening and even mandatory testing for hotel guests from different states checking-in.

Subramaniam said the industry lost at least RM135 million in food and beverage revenue as the government implemented MCO for the entire fasting month last year.

"We have seen similar situations in other countries and the governments there provide subsidies to businesses for losses due to the inability to operate, in accordance with either business hours affected or volume.

"The tourism and hotel industry is again left helpless as various states fall into another round of MCO and this time it came right in the middle of the fasting month when hotels are busy preparing for the coming Hari Raya holidays and serving the once a year festival buffet for breaking fast.

"Hotels were already badly impacted with the extended interstate travel restrictions and now even RMCO to RMCO travel has been suspended. Since the beginning of Ramadan, hotels had adjusted their breaking fast buffets to the new norm, with added SOPs in place to ensure hygiene and safety of guests," he said.

Subramaniam said the industry understands the need for restrictions but believes that there is room for improvement in balancing lives versus livelihoods.

"The blanket ban on dine-in left hotels in a predicament with only days to reorganise what was planned for the entire month.

"Hotels are not only left with excess supplies of perishables but also committed manpower for the period.

"The government did not offer any support or assistance leaving hotels high and dry with cancellations pouring in for room bookings planned for Hari Raya holidays. They also need to consider these options before imposing blanket bans, to allow the industry to at least survive on its own," he said.

Subramaniam said the government needs to plan ahead with a systematic subsidy system for businesses affected by the MCO if the pandemic situation deteriorates further.

"The government must also speed up vaccination plans especially for economic frontliners like hoteliers and find ways to procure more vaccines.

"At the current rate, it is highly unlikely that Malaysia will achieve herd immunity any time soon," he said.

-nst online.

STB's Noredah appointed PATA's executive board member

 

Noredah Othman, with 30 years experience in state tourism, will hold the position for two years until 2023. - NSTP/ courtesy of SABAH TOURISM BOARD

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) general manager has been elected as one of two government members to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Board.

Noredah Othman, with 30 years experience in state tourism, will hold the position for two years until 2023.

As the longest-serving officer with STB, she is responsible for marketing and promotions of the destination.

Noredah has held various positions in STB since October 1990 and served as deputy general manager (Support Services).

The other candidate is Dr. Abdulla Mausoom from the Maldives' Tourism Ministry.

In 2019, Noredah was appointed as a PATA Board member and received the instrument of appointment at the PATA Board meeting.

The meeting was held in Kazakhstan in September of the same year for the 2019 and 2021 term.

"This acknowledgment indirectly shows the significance of Sabah as an established tourism destination in the region.

"It also shows how it can contribute to the development of the travel and tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region," read a statement by STB.

Founded in 1951, PATA is a not-for-profit association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from, and within the Asia Pacific region.

One of the functions of the PATA Board is to determine high-level external and industry policies and positions of PATA, and to provide guidance accordingly to the PATA Executive Board on such issues.

-nst online.

AirAsia expects solid domestic demand in key Asean markets

 

AirAsia Group Bhd expects to see solid domestic demand in its key Asean markets in the next few quarters. NST pix by Saifullizan Tamadi.

KUALA LUMPUR: AirAsia Group Bhd expects to see solid domestic demand in its key Asean markets in the next few quarters.

In its operating statistics for the first quarter (Q1) of 2021, the low-cost carrier (LCC) said solid demand would be backed by the vaccinations of majority of the population and strong pent up demand.

The group carried 0.98 million of passengers in Q1 compared to 9.85 million passengers in the same period last year.

Its load factor stood at 67 per cent during the period from 77 per cent achieved last year with a total aircraft fleet of 149.

AirAsia posted an improved operating in March for all entities in comparison to February as countries worldwide focused on accelerating vaccination programmes in efforts to reach herd immunity as soon as possible.

On a month-to-month basis, key operational metrics progressed in March compared to February with an 84 per cent increase in passengers carried by AirAsia Malaysia, 57 per cent increase in passengers carried for AirAsia Philippines, 29 per cent increase in passengers carried by AirAsia Indonesia, while AirAsia Thailand more than doubled its number of passengers carried.

Aided by stringent capacity management, AirAsia Malaysia posted a healthy load factor of 73 per cent in Q1, despite a lower number of passengers carried, it said in a statement today.

AirAsia Malaysia saw its load factor improving by 9.0 percentage points (ppts) to 76 per cent as a result of a higher number of passengers carried.

AirAsia Malaysia is optimistic about the ongoing inoculation drive in Malaysia, leading to a stronger and sustainable recovery this year.

AirAsia Indonesia gained a 29 per cent increase in passengers carried and achieved an improvement of 2.0 ppts in load factor for March compared to February.

AirAsia Philippines leveraged a strong rebound in travel demand during the quarter, carrying 168,527 passengers and a 43 per cent increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2020.

"The higher number of passengers carried positively resulted in an increase in load factor of 10 ppts quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) to 74 per cent."

A month-on-month (MoM) breakdown showed that AirAsia Philippines grew its passengers by 57 per cent despite only increasing 30 per cent in operating capacity in March compared to February 2021.

This has resulted in a commendable 81 per cent load factor in March.

Meanwhile, AirAsia Thailand posted a 65 per cent QoQ decline in passengers carried due to lower travel demand caused by the new wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in Thailand in the mid-December 2020.

Nonetheless, it said domestic travel demand rebounded in March due to the roll out of vaccines, the extension of domestic tourism stimulus schemes and lower new infections in the latter part of the quarter.

-nst online.

ITC Clinches Strategic Business Alliance Award In World Halal Best Brands E-Branding Awards 2021

 

PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA, 3 MAY 2021 – The BrandLaureate World Halal Best Brands E-Branding Awards 2021 is an event to remember in the 12-year and running history of the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC). ITC was selected as the recipient of the Strategic Business Alliance Award, in what was its maiden BrandLaureate scoop.

In receiving the award, Director-General of ITC, Dato’ Dr. Mohmed Razip Haji Hasan said: “I am pleased to accept this award for Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC). It is an acknowledgement of ITC’s dedication, and also the support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) and fellow industry players in positioning Malaysia as the choice destination for Islamic tourism and Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality hub of global standards and recognition.”

Synonymous with ITC’s goal for 2021, that is ”new thinking, new actions, new results”, it will witness ITC strengthening its efforts through local, regional, and international collaborations, whilst engaging deeply with stakeholders and partners, and exploring technology and digital solutions, to deliver its products and services.

Dato’ Dr. Razip further opined that ITC will continue in its endeavours to work with tourism industry players in areas of training, research, standards and recognition where Islamic tourism is concerned. This will be done by creating and spreading awareness on the vast potential that this segment of tourism has to offer, besides establishing benchmarks for Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality guidelines and providing advice and consultation in developing Muslim-friendly tourism packages and services.

“Our target audience covers a wide range of those involved in tourism, namely, hoteliers, tourist guides, TOBTABs, airline companies and even training institutes. E-branding is undoubtedly a vital tool for ITC in order to remain in the Islamic tourism market that is proliferating exponentially, and will continue to do so in the years to come.”

He further opined that the pandemic that is COVID-19 came with a silver lining for mankind. It has opened up countless opportunities for us all to be more engaged with our partners and clients via digital technology. In fact, ITC has been conducting all of its training and knowledge-sharing sessions online via webinars, besides having been invited to be panelists or keynote speakers in similar avenues, on Islamic tourism and Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality too.

“By embracing the wave of digitalisation, ITC seeks to be in line with the aspirations of the National Tourism Policy (NTP) 2020-2030 which places emphasis on six thrusts, one of them being digitalisation, in order for the Malaysian tourism industry to remain competitive, sustainable and resilient.”

“I thank Allah SWT for this achievement, and express my utmost appreciation to Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, the Honourable Minister of MOTAC; Dato’ Dr. Noor Zari Hamat, the Secretary-General of MOTAC cum Chairman of ITC; the staff and board of trustees at ITC, not forgetting my predecessors for bringing ITC to where it is now. The achievements we see today are the results of the combined efforts of everyone,” he concluded.

With a clear mindset, focus and direction, namely, the potential Muslim travel market, ITC wants to ensure the tourism sector is fully prepared once international gates are reopened. In order to realise the said goal, it will continue to foster partnerships and collaboration opportunities with strategic partners whilst leveraging on each other’s strengths and resources.

Background on BrandLaureate Awards

The BrandLaureate Awards is a subsidiary of The World Brands Foundation (TWBF). Founded in 2005, TWBF is the world’s only branding foundation dedicated to developing brands in various industries.

TWBF functions actively in identifying and nurturing outstanding brands on an international platform. It strives to champion its mission, to educate and communicate the “value of branding” with the concept that brand culture, combined with good practices will give brands the edge in this competitive environment. 

Since 2018, TWBF has created another awards platform to honour the Halal industry and its ecosystem, branding it the World Halal Best Brands Awards. 2021 marks the third edition of the awards, and its maiden run digitally with the theme “Digitalise to Globalise Your Brand. Past recipients of awards in this segment include Public Mutual, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Korea Muslim Federation, Teh Tarik Place, and Swisslab Biotech, among others. 

Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC)

Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC) is an entity under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia tasked to develop the Islamic tourism segment for Malaysia. It advocates for Muslim-friendly tourism by offering research and market intelligence, training, industry development consultation, Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality services standards and certification, and information exchange.

In 2021, ITC was named the recipient of the Strategic Business Alliance Award at The BrandLaureate World Halal Best Brands E-Branding Awards 2021. It is a recognition of ITC’s efforts and endeavours in formulating new strategies to meet the new normal of the business environment to ensure business continuity and sustainability, notwithstanding its role to develop and grow the Islamic tourism segment in Malaysia.

Malaysia was also named top country in the region in Muslim-friendly tourism sector by the Global Islamic Economy Report (GIER) 2020/2021.

Both recognitions are added motivation for ITC to continue to strengthen its efforts in being a prime mover and leading institution to ensure Malaysia is at the forefront of Muslim-friendly tourism and hospitality (MFTH).

For further details, kindly contact:

Islamic Tourism Centre,
Level 13, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia
No. 2 Tower 1, Jalan P5/6,
Precinct 5, 62200 Putrajaya, Malaysia

Tel: 03-8891 7177 or via email itc@itc.gov.my

-ITC.

Wanderlust Travel Stories Webinar - Unearth the Wondrous of Sarawak ( Webinar on 4 May 2021 )

 

Dear Travel Partners and Enthusiast Travelers, After two wonderful journeys to Labuan F.T. and Sabah, The International Promotion Division (Southeast Asia) Tourism Malaysia once again inviting you to join our upcoming Wanderlust Travel Stories Webinar - Unearth the Wondrous of Sarawak scheduled to be held as the following details:  

Date : 4 May 2021 (Tuesday)
Time : 1400 hrs (MST=Malaysia Standard Time)
Platform : Webinarjam
Link : https://j.mp/3xssAiu  
Admission : Free

-Tourism Malaysia.

Pertandingan Video Pendek Seni Budaya Dan Nilai Murni Oleh JKKN

 

-JKKN.

Tawaran Menarik Pakej Cuti Penjawat Awam Sabah Dan Labuan - Bagus Baini!

 

TUARAN, 23 April 2021 – Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia (MOTAC) melalui agensinya, Tourism Malaysia hari ini melancarkan Pakej Cuti Penjawat Awam Sabah dan Labuan - Bagus Baini! dalam usaha untuk menyemarakkan pelancongan domestik. Program ini merupakan kesinambungan daripada kejayaan pelancaran Pakej Istimewa Penjawat Awam di Kuala Lumpur, juga anjuran Tourism Malaysia pada 3 September 2020 yang lalu.

Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia, YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri yang hadir melancarkan pakej berkenaan di Kota Kinabalu, Sabah berkata, ia turut dipanjangkan kepada para pesara kerajaan seperti pakej sebelum ini dengan memfokuskan kepada produk-produk pelancongan sekitar daerah di Sabah dan Labuan. Sebanyak 88 pakej pelancongan ditawarkan oleh 37 agensi pelancongan, 22 hotel serta 5 produk pelancongan yang mengambil bahagian bagi mempromosikan pakej percutian 2 hari 1 malam, 3 hari 2 malam, dan 4 hari 3 malam, dengan melibatkan hotel bertaraf 5, 4 dan 3 bintang serta hotel bajet di sekitar Kota Kinabalu, Papar, Beaufort, Tambunan, Tenom, Tuaran, Kudat, Kota Marudu, Tamparuli, Ranau, Sandakan, Tawau, Semporna dan Labuan.

Pakej yang menawarkan tawaran istimewa dengan diskaun eksklusif buat penjawat awam dan pesara serta keluarga ini bertujuan menghargai khidmat bakti mereka ketika negara dibelenggu pandemik Covid-19.

Selain tawaran penginapan, penjawat awam dan pesara juga boleh menikmati pakej produk-produk pelancongan menarik untuk kunjungan harian dengan penawaran diskaun harga tiket masuk sehingga 20 peratus. Antara produk pelancongan yang tersenarai ialah Mari Mari Cultural Village dan Muzium Lotud di Tuaran, Rumah Terbalik dan 3D Wonder Museum, Walai Tobilung di Kota Marudu dan Rimbun Stingless Bee Farm di Labuan. Tempoh sah laku pakej adalah sehingga 31 Disember 2021.

Pakej Cuti Penjawat Awam Sabah dan Labuan - Bagus Baini! telah dibangunkan oleh Tourism Malaysia dengan kerjasama Lembaga Pelancongan Sabah (STB), Persatuan Ejen Pelancongan dan Pengembaraan Malaysia (MATTA) Sabah Chapter, Persatuan Hotel Malaysia (MAH), Sabah Tourist Association (STA), Persatuan Hotel Bajet Malaysia (MyBHA), MASwing dan agensi-agensi pelancongan terlibat serta Kongres Kesatuan Pekerja-pekerja Di Dalam Perkhidmatan Awam (CUEPACS),” jelas YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy.

Tambah beliau, kerjasama dengan CUEPACS dilihat sebagai platform terbaik untuk mendekati kumpulan sasaran bagi membantu pemain industri pelancongan yang terkesan akibat pandemik Covid-19, memandangkan kongres ini merupakan gabungan kesatuan mewakili penjawat awam di Malaysia dengan keahlian seramai 1.2 juta daripada keseluruhan 1.6 juta penjawat awam terdiri daripada pelbagai agensi dan sektor kerajaan.

YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy menyeru kepada seluruh penjawat awam dan pesara agar merebut peluang keemasan ini untuk melancong secara bertanggungjawab dengan pematuhan kepada Prosedur Operasi Standard (SOP) dan pengamalan norma baharu. Penjawat awam boleh mendapatkan tawaran pakej ini dengan hanya menggunakan pas pekerja mereka di agensi-agensi pelancongan terpilih. 

Maklumat lanjut boleh didapati di laman sesawang Tourism Malaysia https://www.malaysia.travel/deals-packages serta di laman Facebook Tourism Malaysia Sabah.

-Tourism Malaysia.