Recognising Malaysia’s tourism trailblazers

 

THIS year’s Tourism Industry Awards is set to celebrate the best in the industry across 90 categories. 

“The awards encompass various aspects of tourism such as hotels, tour guides, tourism products, shopping centres and convention centres,” said its organising chairman Datuk Emmy Suraya Hussein. 

The second edition of the awards has drawn 150 entries, and some 1,100 local and international tourism players are expected to attend the Aug 9 ceremony at a hotel in Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya in Selangor. 

“It is also the first time we are collaborating with Tourism Selangor, in conjunction with Visit Selangor Year 2025 (VSY 2025). 

“This is a good chance to strengthen our relationship and provide more opportunities for local tourism players, especially those in Selangor,” she said during a press conference. 

Emmy Suraya said the award ceremony was also a celebration of resilience, creativity and excellence in tourism.

“As Malaysia continues to elevate its position as a top global travel destination, these awards honour trailblazers who have made significant contributions to the tourism industry,” she said. 

The awards are jointly organised by Malaysia International Tourism Development Association (Mitda), Tourism Selangor and a travel magazine. 

Also present at the press conference were Mitda president Captain (Rtd) Mahadzir Mansor, Tourism Selangor chief executive officer Chua Yee Ling, Tourism Industry Awards 2025 head juror Datuk Rashidi Hasbullah and Tourism Malaysia senior director (package development division) Azimah Aziz. 

Sunway Hospitality Group chief executive officer Alex Castaldi and Subang Jaya deputy mayor Mohd Zulkurnain Che Ali also attended the event which saw the launch of Tourism Industry Awards 2025. 

Mahadzir said each winner would have the chance to promote their products to both local and international audiences. 

“Mitda will provide the winners with slots to promote their tourism packages and products via World Tourism Channel, Mitda’s electronic platform.” 

He said the winners’ products would also be promoted in the travel magazine as well as other print media. 

“Winners will also be recognised as a ‘Tourism Ambassador of Malaysia’ to help promote the country’s tourism industry,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Chua said Selangor government had introduced 20 special award categories to recognise the contributions of tourism players and media professionals across the state. 

“Tourism Industry Awards 2025 is more than a celebration. 

“It is also a strategic platform to promote VSY 2025 and our signature domestic tourism campaign ‘Selangor Kan Ada’. 

“It is also an appreciation for those who have played a role in boosting tourist arrivals and enriching the tourism landscape in Selangor. 

“We believe that by acknowledging these efforts, we can inspire more innovation, sustainability and excellence across the industry,” she said. 

Chua added that the awards ceremony was also a good avenue for tourism players to gather and exchange opinions to elevate the industry.

-thestar online.