Tourism Ministry to focus on social media

KUALA LUMPUR: The Tourism Ministry will place increased emphasis on social media to promote Malaysia's tourist attractions. This move was an important step as the traditional methods of advertising and promoting the country's tourist sites were no longer effective, said minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

She said the ministry would review its tourism promotional strategies by increasing its focus on social media to promote tourism activities. “Australia is spending A$150mil (RM465mil) for three years.

People who come to Malaysia must leave with sweet memories of hospitality, safety and good shopping experience. - Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen

“The Philippines spends US$7.2mil (RM22mil) and Thailand is spending 40% of its tourism budget on social media.

“In comparison, Malaysia has only spent RM1.8mil on six Facebook campaigns over a year,” she said after opening the inaugural Malaysia International Tourism Bloggers Conference and Awards here yesterday.

She said a survey in Britain by Travelsat, an international survey group that monitors tourists' experience, showed that 40% of people would travel based on recommendations from friends and relatives.

“People who come to Malaysia must leave with sweet memories of hospitality, safety and a good shopping experience. Bloggers can play a vital role in highlighting Malaysia's tourist attractions,” she added.

The conference featured experiences from 18 travel bloggers. Travel writer Shane Dallas of Australia, who blogs at The Travel Camel, said travel bloggers should write responsibly and be respectful of their host countries and hosts. “There is no need to rant about things that do not go well during your travels. Sometimes, things do not go as planned and there is no need to spoil your trip and someone else's experience,” said Dallas, who has visited 72 countries.

Malaysian travel writer David Hogan Jr said a travel blogger should always look at things from a positive angle. “Relate your travel experiences and information and produce something that people would want to read. “If there is anything unsatisfactory, inform the hotel or tour operator so that they can make the necessary changes. If they do not, you can write a review at Trip Advisor (a travel information website),” said David, who blogs at blog.malaysia-asia.my.

-thestar online.