Explore Sabah campaign launches at World Travel Market in London

 

KOTA KINABALU: The 'Explore Sabah' campaign, aimed at highlighting the state's unique attractions, was launched at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, United Kingdom, on Tuesday (Nov 5).

The initiative, which will feature Sabah’s 10 unique wonders including Unesco heritage sites, five highest peaks, rich biodiversity and wildlife encounters, was launched by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew at the Sabah Pavilion during the first day of the WTM.

Liew, who led the Sabah delegation over the four-day business-to-business exhibition, stressed that Explore Sabah is a strategic initiative to enhance the state’s appeal as a favourite destination, particularly in anticipation of Visit Malaysia 2026.

In a statement released here, she said participating in the WTM will amplify reach in the UK and beyond, and is part of the journey to connect with global partners.

Liew further shared good news of growth in the state tourism sector, where an increase of 25.7% for the first eight months of this year was recorded in total tourism arrivals (2,094,202), from 1,665,951 arrivals in the corresponding period last year.

"International arrivals surged by 64.5%, totalling 867,231 visitors, bringing tourism back to 87% of pre-pandemic levels.

"Currently, Sabah is connected to 19 international destinations, with plans for further connectivity," Liew added, reiterating confidence in reaching the target of three million visitors by year-end.

On the WTM, this year, the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) is the agency leading Sabah's participation, where the Board is showcasing 13 local agents in the pavilion.

Throughout the exhibition, the Sabah Pavilion is featuring presentations by Sabah's cultural ambassadors; Stanley Missun from the Sabah Tamparuli Bamboo Music Orchestra, Unduk Ngadau (Harvest beauty pageant queen) Hyellene Danius, and renowned long flute player Payuki, all showcasing the state's rich cultural heritage.

During the event, Liew also announced a national campaign collaboration between STB and Intrepid UK to further enhance Sabah's international profile, where a Memorandum of Collaboration signing took place.

Also present were Liew’s Assistant Minister cum STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Malaysian High Commissioner to the UK Datuk Zakri Jaafar, and STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit.

Prior to the WTM event, Liew on Monday (Nov 4) hosted a networking session with the UK industry trade and media partners as well as the Sabah private sector, as part of Sabah’s commitment to maintaining strong marketing relationships with its stakeholders.

-thestar online.

Festival Asia 2024 @ Lanai, MATIC Kuala Lumpur ( 8 ~ 10 November 2024 )

 

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at FESTIVAL ASIA 2024!

Join us for a vibrant celebration of Asian culture! Explore delicious food, unique crafts, stunning fashion, exciting games, and so much more—all under one roof!

Date: 8th - 10th November 2024

Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Venue: LANAI @ MATIC, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur

Bring your friends, family, and colleagues for a weekend filled with fun and exploration! Don't miss out on the adventure!

-Yayasan Gemilang fb.

MB: Acara sukan jadi teras dalam kalendar Tahun Melawat Selangor 2025

 

SEPANG, 3 NOV: Acara sukan dan rekreasi dijadikan teras inisiatif dalam kalendar Tahun Melawat Selangor 2025 bagi menarik kehadiran lebih ramai pelancong tempatan dan antarabangsa.

Dato’ Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari berkata pelancongan sukan mampu meningkatkan ekonomi tempatan selain mewujudkan peluang pekerjaan.

“Kita akan jadikan perlumbaan Grand Prix Motosikal (MotoGP) Malaysia 2024 ini sebagai model untuk menganjurkan lebih banyak acara sukan pelancongan.

“Sukan pelancongan merupakan salah satu tarikan utama. Sukan seperti larian dan basikal sudah ada peminatnya sendiri, terbaharu sukan pickleball yang banyak dimainkan di bandar,” katanya kepada pemberita.

Terdahulu beliau melancarkan logo Tahun Melawat Selangor 2025 di reruai Tourism Selangor di Litar Antarabangsa Petronas Sepang di sini, hari ini.

Hadir sama Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Menteri Besar Selangor (Pemerbadanan) atau MBI Saipolyazan Mat Yusop dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Tourism Selangor, Azrul Shah Mohamad.

Dalam pada itu, Amirudin menambah MotoGP 2024 menerima kehadiran kira-kira 200,000 pengunjung dengan sebahagian daripadanya merupakan pelancong luar negeri dan antarabangsa.

Jelasnya, jumlah itu menunjukkan peningkatan sebanyak 10 peratus berbanding tahun lalu sekali gus membuktikan acara tersebut amat dinantikan peminat sukan permotoran.

“Perlumbaan MotoGP juga berperanan sebagai platform untuk Tourism Selangor mempromosikan warisan budaya negeri yang kaya, landskap indah dan infrastruktur termaju,” katanya.

-selangorkini.

Hajiji: Tamu Besar Kota Belud attracts tourists, promotes state's cultural diversity

 

KOTA BELUD: Tamu Besar Kota Belud not only draws tourists but also highlights the state's cultural diversity, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He added that Tamu Besar Kota Belud was one of the oldest tamu in Sabah, having been around for more than 100 years.

"Tamu Besar Kota Belud is not just a trade centre but also a place for producing and selling agricultural products, traditional foods, handicrafts, machetes and traditional musical instruments.

"Visitors can find a variety of valuable items at reasonable prices. "Hosting Tamu Besar attracts tourists and promotes local culture.

"Tamu Besar also symbolises unity, serving as a social gathering for people of various ethnicities and religions, such as Bajau, Kadazandusun, Iranun and Chinese communities." He said this at the Tamu Besar Kota Belud at Padang Pekan Kota Belud here. Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah Tun Juhar Mahiruddin officiated the event.

This year's tamu will feature cultural performances, traditional sports, exhibitions and sale of crafts. Hajiji reiterated the state government's commitment to boosting tourism initiatives and programmes.

The state recorded 2.1 million tourists from January to August, with 867,231 being international tourists and 1.2 million domestic tourists.

-nst online.

Tourism Malaysia Welcomes AirAsia’s Network Expansion From Da Lat, Vietnam & Chiang Rai, Thailand To Kuala Lumpur

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 November 2024 – Tourism Malaysia is thrilled to welcome the resumption of AirAsia’s direct flights connecting Da Lat, Vietnam (DLI) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) starting 1 November 2024, coupled with the launch of a brand-new route from Chiang Rai, Thailand (CEI) to Kuala Lumpur, commencing on 2 November 2024. These new services demonstrate AirAsia’s dedication to enhancing regional connectivity, making it easier for travellers to explore Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

To commemorate the launch, Mr. Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) Tourism Malaysia will host a special welcome reception at Terminal 2, KLIA, where guests and passengers will enjoy a celebratory event upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur. This welcoming gesture further reflects Malaysian hospitality and the ongoing collaboration between AirAsia and Tourism Malaysia in promoting Malaysia as a prime travel destination within the ASEAN region.

The resumed AK 572 Da Lat to Kuala Lumpur service will operate four times weekly, departing Da Lat at 12:40 p.m. and arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 3:55 p.m. This route, ideal for both leisure and business travellers, will be operated on an A320 aircraft with a capacity of 180 seats.

Meanwhile, the new AK 872 Chiang Rai to Kuala Lumpur route will operate three times weekly, departing Chiang Rai at 1:45 p.m. and arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 5:55 p.m. This route provides a convenient link for travellers between northern Thailand and Malaysia, served by an A320 aircraft with a 180-seat capacity.

As of September 2024, Malaysia logged 1,216,809 and 265,068 tourist arrivals from Thailand and Vietnam, respectively. Tickets are available now through AirAsia’s website and mobile app. For more information, kindly contact AirAsia’s Customer Service team or visit AirAsia’s official website.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Midnight Sale 2024 To Boost Tourism And Economic Growth

 

JOHOR BAHRU, 30 OCTOBER 2024 – Tourism Malaysia is thrilled to announce the launch of the Malaysia Midnight Sale 2024, in collaboration with Mastercard, Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru, and GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

The first-ever Malaysia Midnight Sale will span four days, from 30th October 30 to 2nd November 2024, providing both local and foreign tourists with a unique opportunity to shop late into the night. Shoppers will get to enjoy exclusive deals, discounts, and special giveaways from participating retailers.

The event will kick off at Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru on 30th and 31st October 2024. Known as one of the largest shopping centers in southern Malaysia, Paradigm Mall is ideally located near Johor Bahru City and Singapore, making it a prime venue for this large-scale event.

From 1st to 2nd November 2024, the sale will extend to GCH Retail outlets around Johor Bahru, including Mercato Garden Square, Mercato Plaza Pelangi, and several Giant stores. Daily shopping hours start at 10:00 AM, with the biggest discounts of up to 80% available between 10:00 PM till midnight.

A variety of activities will cater to all age groups, including exhibitions featuring travel packages, live performances, hourly lucky draws, local fruit festivals, and children's entertainment.

Additionally, 10 hotels around Johor Bahru, namely the Ramada Straits Johor, Trinidad Suites Johor, Shama Suasana Johor Bahru, Holiday Inn Johor Bahru, Opero Hotel Southkey Johor Bahru, Hyatt Place Johor Bahru, Holiday Villa Hotel Johor Bahru, Thistle Johor Bahru, Grand Paragon Johor Bahru, and Trove Johor Bahru, are offering room rates with discounts of up to 72%, encouraging tourists to extend their stay.

YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, emphasised the importance of attracting tourists from Singapore, stating, "We hope this campaign will entice visitors from Singapore to extend their stay in Johor Bahru, supporting local businesses and contributing to the local economy."

This initiative marks the beginning of the Malaysian Year-End Sale, which will run from 15th November 2024, to 1st January 2025, and is designed to support the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign by invigorating the shopping tourism sector and attracting international visitors. The Malaysia Midnight Sale is expected to significantly boost tourism revenue, contributing to the national target of RM102.7 billion in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic figures.

For more information on available packages and shopping offers, visit the Tourism Malaysia website at www.malaysia.travel.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Welcomes LOT Polish Aarlines Charter Flight From Warsaw To Langkawi

 

LANGKAWI, 28 October 2024 – LOT Polish Airlines has officially launched its inaugural charter flight from Warsaw to Langkawi, marking a significant milestone in strengthening travel links between Poland and Malaysia. This new connection is set to enhance tourist traffic between the two destinations.

The maiden flight touched down at Langkawi International Airport (LGK) and was greeted by a welcoming ceremony led by Deputy Secretary General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Dr. Yasmeen Yasim. Representatives from Tourism Malaysia, the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), and Nowa Itaka were also present to celebrate this occasion. The aircraft was honoured with a ceremonial water salute upon arrival, symbolising the growing ties between Poland and Malaysia.

The new direct flight will operate once a week every Sunday until March 2025, bringing more convenience to the people of the two countries in bridging the economic and cultural exchange and investment. As of September 2024, Malaysia welcomed 24,362 visitors from Poland, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and the total of 21,472 Polish tourists recorded in 2023.

As part of the welcoming efforts, LADA is also planning a series of promotional activities, including guided tours, cultural events, and immersive local experiences to ensure that Polish tourists have an unforgettable experience in Langkawi. LADA is optimistic that these initiatives will help increase air arrivals and raise the total number of tourists to Langkawi to an estimated 3 million by the end of this year.

Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid, Chief Executive Officer of LADA, remarked: “The arrival of these charter flights from Poland is a remarkable milestone for Langkawi's tourism industry. We are eager to showcase the island’s natural beauty and warm hospitality to our Polish visitors. This initiative not only boosts our local economy but also strengthens international relations and cultural exchange. Our partnership with ITAKA was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding at ITB Berlin 2024.”

The introduction of this new route presents an excellent opportunity to attract more European tourists to Malaysia. As part of the ongoing efforts to promote Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), Tourism Malaysia remains dedicated to forging strategic partnerships with international airlines to boost promotional initiatives and stimulate travel demand, further positioning Malaysia as a top destination for global travellers.

-Tourism Malaysia.

KARNIVAL CUTI-CUTI MALAYSIA 2024 Rintis Perpektif Baharu Pelancongan Domestik

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 Oktober 2024 – Kempen Cuti-Cuti Malaysia kini tidak lagi berkisar percutian semata-mata apabila buat julung-julung kalinya Tourism Malaysia bekerjasama dengan Kraftangan Malaysia serta lain-lain agensi di bawah MOTAC bagi menyuntik perspektif baharu dalam mempromosikan pelancongan domestik menerusi penggabungan aktiviti kraf, seni, budaya dan warisan tempatan.

Bertemakan “Crafting Holidays”, penganjuran Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia (KCCM) 2024 yang berlangsung dari 25-27 Oktober 2024 di Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur, bukan sahaja menawarkan lebih 200 jualan pakej pelancongan dengan tawaran diskaun antara 15 sehingga 50 peratus, malah menyajikan pelbagai demonstrasi dan jualan kraf serta makanan warisan.

Turut dilancarkan ialah Pakej Kompleks Kraf yang menawarkan lawatan berpandu berkumpulan serta aktiviti interaktif kraf di empat buah kompleks kraf iaitu Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur, Kompleks Kraf Langkawi, Kompleks Kraf Johor dan Kompleks Kraf Melaka. Kesemua pusat kraf setempat tersebut memiliki tarikan tersendiri merangkumi komponen seperti Pusat Jualan Kraf, Muzium dan Galeri Kraf Warisan, Perkampungan Kraf, Perkampungan Pelukis, Taman Etno Kraf dan Taman Madu Kelulut. Selain itu, pengunjung juga boleh menyaksikan atau menyertai demonstrasi dan aktiviti interaktif kraf seperti anyaman rotan, kraf batik, seramik, copper tooling dan pembuatan kompang.

Untuk memudahkan para pelancong merancang percutian serta mendapatkan produk kraf di setiap negeri, aplikasi Craft On The Go (COTG) turut boleh dimuat turun serta dimanfaatkan oleh pengguna bagi mengetahui maklumat berkenaan profil usahawan, butiran produk, lokasi pusat jualan (outlet) serta akaun media sosial mereka.

YB Tuan Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya berkata, sejak tahun 1999, Tourism Malaysia telah mempromosikan penjenamaan kempen Cuti-Cuti Malaysia yang bertujuan mengajak rakyat Malaysia untuk bercuti di dalam negara secara terancang dengan memanfaatkan tawaran pakej istimewa yang dipromosikan sewaktu penganjuran pameran jualan pelancongan.

Beliau berkata, penganjuran KCCM 2024 yang menawarkan pengalaman unik dalam aktiviti kraf, seni, budaya dan warisan tempatan, diharap dapat merancakkan lagi pergerakan pelancongan domestik (interstate dan intrastate) sekali gus berupaya merangsang kunjungan pelawat domestik serta peningkatan ketibaan pelancong menjelang Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026.

“Pada tahun 2024, kementerian telah menetapkan sasaran seramai 221 juta pelawat domestik dengan jangkaan perbelanjaan domestik sebanyak RM92.7 bilion. Setakat Januari sehingga Jun 2024, prestasi pelancongan domestik merekodkan perkembangan positif apabila mencatatkan 127 juta pelawat domestik dengan perbelanjaan pelancongan domestik sebanyak RM52.2 bilion.

“Angka ini disasarkan akan terus meningkat kepada 241 juta pelawat pada tahun 2025 dan seterusnya kepada 261 juta orang pada tahun 2026 dengan jangkaan perbelanjaan pelancongan domestik mencecah RM115.2 bilion,” katanya.

Antara pakej-pakej pelancongan yang ditawarkan kepada para pengunjung merangkumi aktiviti pengembaraan seperti jelajah warisan, sukan air, selam skuba, birding dan stargazing serta pakej penginapan, alam semula jadi, taman tema dan pengalaman budaya.

Selain menampilkan Pasar Saloma yang bertemakan perkampungan Melayu klasik dengan lebih 30 reruai menawarkan pelbagai juadah tradisional, kuih-muih dan produk kraf, para pengunjung turut berpeluang menyaksikan persembahan artis, tarian kebudayaan, pertunjukan roti canai terbang, teh tarik dan aktiviti cabutan bertuah.

Penganjuran KCCM 2024 turut disertai oleh Jabatan Warisan Negara, Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Istana Budaya, Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA), Lembaga Pembangunan Seni Visual Negara dan Hotel Seri Malaysia serta mendapat sokongan ASTRO, Star Media Group, Zoomer Media, Prowangsa, Advance Sign Indicator (ASI) dan KL Hop-On-Hop-Off (HOHO).

-Tourism Malaysia.

PATA, Sarawak Tourism Board strengthen AI capabilities for tourism businesses

 

PATA and Sarawak Tourism Board will launch a new training programme for tourism businesses in Sarawak, Malaysia next week, focusing on technology and AI.

The AI-Driven Transformation: Empowering Sarawak’s Tourism SMEs training is a continuation of the capacity-building programme initiated in May in Kuching, where over 50 local tourism small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) received training on financial management, sustainability, digital marketing, digital payments and cybersecurity.

Scheduled from October 29 to November 1, the four-day training will take place in Kuching, where participants will engage in hands-on workshops designed to help them integrate AI into their daily operations, with a focus on practical applications for marketing, operations, customer satisfaction, and sustainability. These workshops will also include case studies and real-world examples of AI’s successful integration into tourism businesses worldwide, providing actionable insights that participants can implement immediately.

AI’s potential for automating processes, enhancing customer experiences, and driving operational efficiency is becoming increasingly indispensable to the long-term success of tourism businesses. These SMEs must be empowered with accessible and practical AI solutions that streamline processes, create personalised customer experiences, and support sustainable practices.

However, many of these businesses encounter challenges in adopting and applying new technologies, particularly AI, which remains largely untapped without sufficient guidance and training, leaving many tourism SMEs vulnerable in an ever-competitive global market.

PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid commented: “PATA recognises that, while AI has immense potential, SMEs require targeted, practical training to bridge the gap between understanding AI concepts and applying them in real-world contexts.

“This AI training initiative will help guide businesses in becoming digitally ready, at a time when the marketplace is rapidly evolving. We look forward to supporting other tourism organisations and destination marketing organisations in developing similar skill sets for their stakeholders, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.”

Sarawak Tourism Board chairman Dennis Ngau added: “This collaboration with PATA marks a pivotal step in our efforts to drive technological adoption, particularly in AI, which holds transformative potential for enhancing the efficiency and resilience of Sarawak’s tourism SMEs. By providing accessible training that aligns with global trends, we aim to not only uplift the industry but also ensure that our tourism offerings remain relevant and attractive to an increasingly tech-savvy market.”

-TTG Asia.

Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2024 @ KOmpleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur ( 25 ~ 27 Oktober 2024 )

 

Jom datang beramai-ramai ke

Pameran pelancongan terbesar bulan Oktober 2024 (Travel Fair)

di Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur

pada 25 - 27 Oktober 2024

masa 10 pagi hingga 9 malam

- 99 pempamer pelancongan

- 30 pengusaha kraftangan

- Persatuan Pelancongan Langkawi

- Association of Malaysian Spas

- Malaysia Association of Wellness & Spa

- Persembahan seni dan budaya

- Pameran dan jualan makanan

-Tourism Malaysia.

Sabah community-based tourism connects with Peninsula agents

 

Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (second left) alongside Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit (left), Tourism Malaysia Sabah Director Haryanty Abu Bakar (second right) and Kiulu Tourism Association president Meijin Maginggow.

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 15): Sabah is pioneering efforts to promote rural destinations, bringing its community-based tourism (CoBT) operators to Peninsular Malaysia. For the first time, Sabah CoBT operators met with travel agents from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Selangor in a business-to-business (B2B) session.

“I believe Sabah is the first state ever to stage a roadshow specifically to promote and market rural tourism products at the national level,”Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said.

The B2B session kicks off efforts to promote Sabah’s rural tourism products at the Sabah Community Based Tourism Fair (SCBTF) 2024, which will take place from October 16 to 20 at IOI Mall Putrajaya. He described the event as a “game-changer” that opens new opportunities for collaboration.

“We are leveraging the growing back-to-nature trend among tourists,” he said at a press conference held at the Moxy Hotel Putrajaya on Tuesday, where a B2B session also took place.

The session involved 27 tourism associations from 22 districts in Sabah, introducing agents to various cultural, adventure and nature-based experiences offered in rural Sabah.

Participating associations include representatives from districts of Ranau, Inanam, Kota Belud, Kiulu, Tuaran, Papar, Membakut, Kuala Penyu, Sipitang, Penampang, Tenom, Nabawan, Kemabong, Keningau, Tambunan, Kota Marudu, Kudat, Pitas, Tongod, Telupid, Beluran, Kunak, Lahad Datu and Kinabatangan.

Joniston, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board and organising chairman of the SCBTF, said these experiences are unique and essential for rural economic growth.

“We aim to attract more visitors to our rural areas, and the potential for collaboration is enormous. “The Sabah state government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, supports rural communities, and we hope to conduct similar events internationally to connect our CoBT operators with larger markets,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit said STB is dedicated to supporting rural communities by providing essential guidance and resources for promoting our rural destinations domestically and internationally.

“Tourism is a platform to empower rural communities, driving socio-economic growth and fostering sustainable communities in line with SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) Goal 11.”

The five-day event, which will also include the participation of the five handicraft cooperative entrepreneurs, will feature 34 booths from various tourism associations and local products from Sabah.

Julinus said attendees can expect various activities, including cultural dance performances, traditional games, craft demonstrations, and live performances by local Sabahan artist Zachkiddin Zachry. “Visitors can also immerse themselves in Virtual Reality (VR) experiences that provide a glimpse into Sabah’s unique rural landscapes,” he said.

Visitors will also have opportunities to win exciting prizes through crossword puzzles, word searches, lucky draws, and the interactive Spin-the-Wheel sessions held throughout the day.

-Borneo Post Online.

Tourism Malaysia Launches EDU+ Programme To Boost Edutourism And Cultural Exchange

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 October 2024 – The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture through its agency Tourism Malaysia proudly announces the launch of the highly anticipated Edu+ programme, an initiative aimed at elevating Malaysia's edutourism sector.

This initiative targets students, especially those under the age of 16, who hold tourist visas to pursue short-term education programmes while vacationing in Malaysia. Developed in collaboration with the National Association of Private Educational Institutions (NAPEI), a well-established organisation with over 36 years of experience, Edu+ reflects the synergy between the tourism and education sectors to create unique learning opportunities.

In its initial phase, the Edu+ programme focuses on the Japanese market, with plans to expand to other high-potential regions such as Korea, China, Russia, and Vietnam. The initiative is designed to promote cultural exchange, educational enrichment, and tourism growth between nations.

Featuring a comprehensive model centred around learning English at educational institutions in Malaysia, the Edu+ programme encompasses various components, including education, cultural and heritage experiences, collaborations with local schools, homestay experiences, sports tourism learning, eco and nature experiences, and Sustainable Development Goals programmes. Presently, 19 private educational institutions and eight (8) travel agencies have committed to developing Edu+ packages under this programme.

YB Deputy Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said: “As a country rich in diversity, history, arts and culture, Malaysia has great potential in this tourism segment where Edu+ is set to have a key role in attracting young tourists to explore the uniqueness of the country. It is estimated that as many as 10,000 students will enrol in this program in 2024, generating RM50 million of income for the country.”

This initiative aligns with Malaysia’s broader tourism goals ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, a national campaign aimed at drawing in 23.5 million tourists and RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts. Edu+ is poised to enhance the national tourism industry by indirectly driving Malaysia towards a preferred tourist destination in the region.

To learn more about the Edu+ programme and its exciting offerings, visit www.malaysia.travel.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Karnival Cuti-cuti Malaysia 2024 Menampilkan Kecerian Pelancongan, Seni Dan Budaya Dengan Tawaran Diskaun Sehingga 50%

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 Oktober 2024 – Majlis Prapelancaran Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia (KCCM) 2024 yang diadakan di Kompleks Kraf, Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur pada hari ini, bakal menawarkan lebih 100 pakej pelancongan dengan tawaran diskaun menarik antara 15 sehingga 50 peratus. Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia ini bakal berlangsung dari 25 hingga 27 Oktober 2024 di lokasi yang sama.

Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2024 (KCCM 2024) merupakan acara julung-julung kali yang diperkenalkan melalui kerjasama strategik antara Tourism Malaysia dan Kraftangan Malaysia. Bertemakan ‘Crafting Holidays’, karnival ini menawarkan peluang kepada pelancong untuk merancang percutian sambil menikmati pengalaman secara langsung dalam aktiviti seni, kraftangan, dan budaya warisan tempatan.

Antara pakej pelancongan menarik dalam negara yang ditawarkan, merangkumi destinasi alam semula jadi, pengalaman budaya dan aktiviti pengembaraan. Pengunjung boleh menikmati tawaran percutian yang meliputi destinasi popular di seluruh Malaysia, serta aktiviti unik seperti jelajah warisan, sukan air, selam skuba, birding, stargazing dan pengembaraan alam. Acara ini juga menggabungkan pameran, jualan pakej percutian, produk kraftangan, serta demonstrasi budaya dan masakan.

YB Tuan Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Timbalan Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya berkata, penganjuran acara KCCM 2024 bertujuan merancakkan lagi aktiviti pelancongan domestik menerusi penjualan pakej pelancongan secara terus kepada pengguna selain menggalakkan rakyat Malaysia untuk merancang percutian di dalam negara.

“Pada masa yang sama, kita mahu membantu meningkatkan ekonomi penggiat industri tempatan menerusi penglibatan lebih 100 wakil industri yang terdiri daripada jabatan pelancongan negeri, agensi pelancongan, pemilik produk pelancongan, hotel, taman tema serta pengusaha kraftangan. Ini juga akan menyumbang kepada peningkatan kunjungan orang ramai ke Kompleks Kraf,” katanya.

Salah satu tarikan utama di KCCM 2024 adalah Pasar Saloma, iaitu sebuah platform niaga untuk usahawan Industri Kecil dan Sederhana (IKS) yang mengetengahkan konsep perkampungan Melayu klasik. 

Pasar Saloma akan hadir dengan tema nostalgia, di mana lebih daripada 30 reruai akan menampilkan peniaga berbusana tradisi sambil menawarkan pelbagai jualan seperti juadah tradisional, dan produk-produk unik yang digemari sejak turun-temurun.

Selain menikmati tawaran menarik dari Pasar Saloma, acara ini turut dimeriahkan dengan persembahan artis, tarian kebudayaan, demonstrasi kraftangan, pertunjukan roti canai terbang, serta cabutan bertuah. Pengunjung juga berpeluang menyertai pelbagai aktiviti interaktif seperti permainan tradisional dan aktiviti hiburan lain, menjadikan karnival ini destinasi ideal untuk seisi keluarga sambil merancang percutian domestik.

Selain itu, KCCM 2024 turut disertai oleh pelbagai jabatan dan agensi di bawah Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya seperti Jabatan Warisan Negara, Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Istana Budaya, Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan, Kraftangan Malaysia, Lembaga Pembangunan Seni Visual Negara, serta Hotel Seri Malaysia.

Selain itu, untuk memastikan keselesaan para pengunjung, perkhidmatan shuttle disediakan dengan laluan dari tempat letak kereta Malaysia Design Development Centre (DDEC) dan MATIC terus ke Kompleks Kraf. Pengunjung juga boleh memanfaatkan kemudahan pengangkutan awam, termasuk MRT yang berhenti di Stesen Jalan Conlay, serta Bas KL Hop-On Hop-Off (KL HOHO) yang turut berhenti di hadapan Kompleks Kraf.

Pengunjung turut berpeluang mendapatkan pemeriksaan kesihatan di Klinik Bergerak yang disediakan, menawarkan perkhidmatan pemeriksaan secara mudah alih. Klinik ini dilengkapi dengan kemudahan untuk pemeriksaan umum dan rawatan kecil bagi orang ramai.

Mendepani Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026, Tourism Malaysia akan memperhebatkan usaha promosi dan pemasaran pelancongan domestik untuk merancakkan lagi aktiviti pelancongan, dengan sasaran mencapai 220 juta pelawat domestik pada tahun 2024. Usaha ini selaras dengan hasrat kerajaan untuk memastikan pertumbuhan sektor pelancongan yang mampan dan menyumbang kepada ekonomi negara.

-Tourism Malaysia.