Sesi Perbincangan YB Menteri Pelancongan, Seni Dan Budaya Bersama Pengusaha Hotel Bagi Pelaksanaan Acara Pelancongan Sempena Kempen Visit Malaysia 2026

 

Putrajaya, 24 Februari 2026 - Sesi Perbincangan YB Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing bersama Pengusaha - Pengusaha Hotel telah diadakan bagi memperkukuh kerjasama strategik antara Kerajaan dan industri perhotelan dalam menjayakan Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

Turut hadir semasa sesi ini ialah YBrs. Encik Chua Choon Hua, Timbalan Ketua Setiausaha (Pelancongan), Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya, YBrs. Encik Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia; YBrs. Encik Lee Thai Hung, Timbalan Ketua Pengarah (Promosi II) dan YBrs. Encik Mohd Akbal Setia, Ketua Sekretariat VM2026.

Antara fokus utama sesi ini untuk memperkukuh kerjasama strategik antara pihak pengusaha hotel, penyelarasan acara-acara pelancongan utama, serta pemanfaatan meningkatkan kesiapsiagaan industri perhotelan dalam menerima kehadiran pelancong dan pertumbuhan sektor pelancongan negara.

Kerjasama berterusan ini menjadi asas penting dalam merealisasikan VM2026 sebagai misi nasional ke arah sasaran menarik lebih 47 juta pelawat antarabangsa serta memberikan manfaat ekonomi yang menyeluruh kepada rakyat dan negara.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tiong urges Malaysians to adopt friendly attitude towards tourists during VM2026

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has urged tourism stakeholders, civil servants and the public to adopt a more welcoming attitude towards visitors to the country. 

Tiong made the call following complaints of unfriendly treatment towards local and foreign tourists during the first month of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). 

He said he had conducted on the ground checks and found that some tourists were dissatisfied with what they perceived as a lack of hospitality. 

He urged heads of departments and ministry secretaries general to work together to address the issue, noting allegations that certain officers had acted in a high handed manner towards tourists. 

"We ask all Malaysians to help safeguard the country's image. Do not let our image suffer to the point visitors think Malaysia is an unfriendly country. 

"We must be friendly, not only towards tourists but also among ourselves," he told reporters after opening the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry's Mesra Malaysia Campaign at KL Sentral today.

Tiong said there had been instances where tourists were spoken to rudely by members of the public and even civil servants when seeking directions or assistance at markets and train stations. 

He also cited cases involving bus drivers who allegedly scolded tourists asking about destinations, telling them not to use the service if they did not understand. 

"So where are the tourists supposed to go? Walk? This is the root of the problem," he said. 

Tiong stressed that all parties in the tourism ecosystem, including government officers, must play their part. 

He said discussions would also be held with shopping mall management nationwide after the Chinese New Year holidays to address complaints involving retail outlets. 

"There have been complaints from tourists who said that when they entered a shop intending to make a purchase, they were treated as though they owed the seller money for 10 years," he said. 

On the campaign, Tiong said the Mesra Malaysia Campaign emphasises genuine service practices among frontline workers in the transport, hospitality, aviation and tourism sectors. 

"Malaysia's strength lies not only in its cultural diversity, rich food heritage, arts and traditions, as well as natural beauty and accessibility. What is most significant is the attitude of Malaysians, courteous, warm and always ready to help," he said. 

The VM2026 campaign was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Jan 6, targeting 47 million tourist arrivals as part of efforts to position Malaysia as a world class destination while fostering inclusive growth across all states.

-nst online.

Majlis Perasmian Kempen Shoplah Pacu Sektor Pelancongan Negara

 

SEPANG, 10 FEBRUARI |  YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya telah merasmikan Kempen ShopLAH yang berlangsung di Aras 5, Terminal 1, Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA).

Kempen ShopLAH merupakan salah satu inisiatif strategik untuk memperkaya pengalaman pelancong sebaik sahaja melangkah masuk ke pintu masuk utama negara.

YB Menteri dalam ucapannya, menekankan kepentingan persepsi awal pelancong terhadap Malaysia, khususnya dari segi kebersihan, kemudahan dan harga barangan serta makanan di lapangan terbang. Beliau menyeru semua pihak berkaitan, termasuk pengurusan lapangan terbang dan pengusaha pusat jualan (outlet) untuk berbincang secara konstruktif bagi mencapai situasi menang-menang, terutamanya dalam usaha menurunkan harga melalui pendekatan volum dan peluasan pilihan perniagaan.

Beliau turut menyentuh keperluan menambah kepelbagaian pilihan outlet makanan, menilai semula kadar sewaan dan memastikan harga barangan bebas cukai lebih kompetitif berbanding di luar lapangan terbang. Langkah-langkah ini dilihat penting bagi meningkatkan daya tarikan KLIA sebagai hab pelancongan dan membeli-belah serantau, selari dengan pertambahan jumlah pelancong antarabangsa.

Selain itu, beliau memaklumkan bahawa perbincangan dengan pelbagai syarikat penerbangan antarabangsa sedang giat dijalankan termasuk dari Eropah, Timur Tengah, China dan lain-lain bagi membuka lebih banyak laluan terus ke Malaysia.

Turut hadir, YBrs. Encik Chua Choon Hwa, Timbalan Ketua Setiausaha (Pelancongan) Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia (MOTAC) dan YBrs. Encik Mohd Amirul bin Abdul Rahim, Ketua Pengarah Tourism Malaysia.

-MOTAC.

Majlis Penyampaian Cek kepada Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang dan Melaka

 

YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya hadir menyampaikan Cek Replika kepada YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang dan YAB Datuk Seri AB Rauf bin Yusoh, Ketua Menteri Melaka.

Sebanyak RM50 juta telah diperuntukkan oleh Kerajaan Persekutuan, iaitu peruntukan sebanyak RM25 juta kepada Negeri Pulau Pinang dan RM25 juta juga kepada Negeri Melaka melalui Pembentangan Belanjawan 2023 di bawah Inisiatif Pemeliharaan Tapak Warisan Dunia. 

YB Menteri juga mengumumkan Peruntukan sebanyak RM5 juta kepada Kerajaan Negeri Melaka bagi tujuan promosi pelancongan sempena Tahun Melawat Melaka 2024.

Negeri Melaka dan Bandaraya George Town disenaraikan di bawah World Heritage List UNESCO, ini merupakan pengiktirafan tertinggi di peringkat dunia untuk tapak warisan.

Pengiktirafan sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia UNESCO turut membawa banyak manfaat dan kelebihan yang bukan sahaja dari segi perlindungan dan pemeliharaannya, bahkan dapat mengangkat visibiliti Malaysia di mata dunia sebagai produk pelancongan yang mempunyai branding dan prestijnya tersendiri.

Sehubungan itu, sebagai negeri-negeri yang menjadi tumpuan para pelancong, Pulau Pinang dan Melaka digalakan oleh YB Menteri lebih bergiat dalam menambah baik dan mengekalkan monumen bersejarah.

Hadir sama dalam majlis ini ialah YB Dato’ Mohd Sayuthi Bin Bakar, Setiausaha Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang, YB Yeoh Soon Hin, Exco Pelancongan dan Ekonomi Kreatif Pulau Pinang, YB Datuk Abdul Razak bin Abdul Rahman, Exco Pelancongan Pulau Warisan, Seni dan Budaya Melaka, YBhg. Datuk Mohd Zamri bin Mat Zain, Timbalan Ketua Setiausaha (Pelancongan) Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya (MOTAC), YBhg. Dato' Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, Setiausaha Bahagian Kanan (Pengurusan), MOTAC serta Ketua-ketua Jabatan Negeri dan Persekutuan.

-MOTAC.

Air China Inaugural Flight From Chengdu To Kuala Lumpur

 

Air China launched a new route between Chengdu (Tianfu) and Kuala Lumpur on 19th July 2023 at 5.58 PM at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. 

The inaugural flight, CA483/484, operated with an impressive 98% load capacity, carrying 150 passengers. This new route, offering four weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, will increase connectivity between China and Malaysia. 

The event was honored by the presence of the Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture; Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Senior Director of International Promotion Asia/Africa Covering Deputy Director General (Planning); Mr. Manoharan Periasamy and several Air China Officials. 

-Tourism Malaysia.

MOTAC Hosts Ramadan's Iftar Evening With Foreign Diplomats In Malaysia

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 April 2023 – This year’s Ramadan brings forth an Iftar Evening for foreign diplomats in Malaysia, hosted by YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia and organised by Tourism Malaysia. Held at Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur today, the gathering was attended by High Commissioners and Ambassadors representing 63 countries. Also present were Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), Datuk Hajah Saraya Arbi and local media representatives.

In addition to showcasing Malaysia's cuisine, the event also highlights elements of Malaysia’s arts and culture such as performances of Malaysia’s traditional musical instruments gambus and sape, as well as a handicraft exhibition of the local songket, batik and wood-carving by Kraftangan Malaysia.

“In this celebrated month of blessings, I am very grateful to be able to host this get-together with all the officials and media that have been working tirelessly. Through this evening, I hope that we can work together in further strengthening our collaborations in marketing and promoting our country’s tourism offerings to the world, especially in gearing up for Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) in 2025,” said YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.

In 2022, Malaysia successfully recorded 10.07 million international tourist arrivals with RM28.2 billion in tourism receipts. This year, Malaysia targets to receive 16.1 million tourist arrivals and generate RM49.2 billion in tourism receipts. Moving forward, in anticipation of VMY 2025, Malaysia forecasts a total of 23.5 million tourist arrivals with RM76.8 billion in tourism receipts.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Craft industry expected to continue growth

 

KUALA LUMPUR: The craft industry continues to show positive developments post Covid-19 pandemic.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said the sales of craft products last year increased by 44.4 per cent compared to 2021.

"Therefore, it is hoped that this year, the sales of craft products will increase to a greater value, in line with the government's efforts to improve the national economy in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani," he said in his speech at the launch of 2023 National Craft Day (HKK2023).

Gracing the event was Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, wife of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Also present were the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Saraya Arbi, Kraftangan Malaysia director-general 'Ainu Sham Ramli, Dewan Rakyat speaker Datuk Johari Abdul and his wife Datin Noraini Mohd.

Tiong added the ministry, through Kraftangan Malaysia, has always encouraged continuous creativity among craft entrepreneurs.

"Kraftangan Malaysia has taken steps to help craft entrepreneurs in the design aspect and the discovery of new research, resulting in the production of innovative craft products.

"New product designs and research findings shared with entrepreneurs and the craft community can certainly help increase the variety of craft product offerings in the market that are more attractive, high quality and meet the needs of consumers at affordable prices.

"This is very important to ensure that more Malaysians use local craft products in their daily lives, thereby promoting Malaysian-made products," he said.

Meanwhile, 'Ainu Sham in her speech said Kraftangan Malaysia is aiming to rake in RM16 million from the sale of handicrafts during HKK2023.

She said Kraftangan Malaysia is targeting 185,000 visitors in the 13 days event, which started on March 1 and ends on March 13.

"A total of 550 entrepreneurs and the craft community, with the majority from the B40 group, gathered to promote and market their products.

"This annual event is very special because we are celebrating entrepreneurs and the craft community for their contribution to developing the country's craft industry.

"It serves as a meeting ground for craft industry activists, craft lovers and other related industries to exchange ideas and views for the progress of the country's craft industry."

Held at the Kuala Lumpur Craft Complex in Jalan Conlay, HKK2023 with the theme 'Kraf Identiti Malaysia' will showcase local entrepreneurs' works ranging from traditional textiles to classic woodcarvings.

-nst online.

Malaysia pushes for expanded visa-on-arrival facility

 

Malaysia’s tourism, arts and culture minister, Tiong King Sing, recently called on the Home Ministry to look into expanding visa-on-arrival (VOA) for all countries in order to remain competitive with other regional and global destinations.

This includes Malaysia’s traditional top two medium-haul inbound destinations, China and India.

Supporting the minister’s call to introduce VOA facilities, Christina Toh, president of Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), shared: “It is crucial for us to draw more visitors into the country with easier access and welcoming procedures especially now at the time when tourism industry worldwide seems to be experiencing a universal reset that resulted in a more level playing field for all destinations.”

She explained that the current strict visa requirements have deterred many potential travellers from visiting Malaysia, adding that although it is important to maintain the country’s immigration policies, there is also a need “to adapt them to favourable market trends so as to not lose out on great opportunities”.

In addition, with China having reopened its borders, the industry is anticipating “a large influx in tourism and Malaysia stands to lose a lot of potential arrivals” with the existing visa process.

“MAH hopes that by giving visitors this option, it will encourage more arrivals into the country by eliminating the cost and difficulties that comes with visa applications,” said Toh.

Mint Leong, deputy president, Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association, is also in agreement, saying that it is “a great strategy to speed up tourism recovery” and one that will improve the country’s economy.

If implemented, there would be a spike in tourism arrivals; Malaysia’s “airports and tourism players have the resources to handle this”, said Leong.

Outbound operator Suka Travel & Tours’ director, Adam Kamal, noted that if the VOA takes effect, it may result in other countries reciprocating, thus allowing “Malaysians to have the same facility to enter their countries.

He added: “This will (then) help boost outbound travel to those countries.”

-TTG Asia.

Malaysia Participated In ASEAN TOURISM FORUM 2023 For United Recovery Mission

 

YOGYAKARTA, 8 February 2023 – Malaysia’s delegation to the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) this year comes with a mission to combine effort with all ASEAN counterparts for the recovery of the tourism industry in the region. Malaysia is committed to revitalise tourism and to reopen its doors to international tourists.

Leading the Malaysian delegation to this Southeast Asia’s largest tourism trade event is Tourism, Arts & Culture Minister, H.E Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing. He is accompanied by Dato’ Saraya Arbi, Secretary General of Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Dato’ Zainuddin Abdul Wahab, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.

H.E Minister will attend the 26th ASEAN Tourism Ministers meeting, and the 22nd ASEAN Plus Three Tourism Meeting’s Meeting. The official opening ceremony of ATF 2023 is set on 3rd January 2023 by the H.E Indonesian President Ir. Joko Widodo at the historical Prambanan Temple.

Joining the Malaysian delegation are representatives from Sarawak Tourism Board, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and Malaysia Airlines (MAS).

ATF 2023 will cover two concurrent events, namely the Ministerial and Bilateral meetings in Marriot hotel, while the TRAVEX is in the Jogja Expo Center (JEC) which serves as a platform for suppliers of ASEAN tourism products and services and qualified buyers from around the world to meet through pre-scheduled appointments. Both meeting and travel fair are hoped to boost ASEAN tourism business and bilateral understanding at highest level.

For TRAVEX, Malaysia constructed a beautiful tourism-themed booth, depicts the many attractions that Malaysian tourism has to offer, situated at AS 0.005 Hall B, in Jogja Expo Center (JEC).

“Malaysia tourism is well underway for recovery, as we managed to surpass the target of 9.2 million international arrivals in 2022.” said Dato Sri Tiong.

-Tourism Malaysia.

ASEAN tourism ministers report improved KPIs for 2022; more to be done

 

Continued destination marketing under the ASEAN banner as well as the progressive relaxation and removal of travel restrictions by member states throughout 2022 have yielded more positive tourism numbers for the South-east Asian region.

At the February 5 press conference concluding the 26th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers (26th M-ATM) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, meeting chair Sandiaga Uno, minister of tourism and creative economy, Indonesia, noted that destinations in the economic grouping have altogether achieved a 1,706.61 per cent year-on-year increase in tourism receipts based on preliminary figures for 2022.

Tourism ministers of the 10 ASEAN member states and their economic partners met in Yogyakarta, Indonesia last week during ATF 2023

ASEAN member states have also recorded 1,222.99 per cent year-on-year increase in international arrivals, while hotel rate occupancy has improved by 16 per cent over the same period.

Destination marketing efforts fuelling the return of tourists to the region include social media content, digital campaigns and activities bearing the new brand and tagline, A Destination for Every Dream.

The Meeting emphasised the need for member states to deepen their collaboration with relevant partners in the areas of destination marketing. It also commended initiatives that were supported by external partners, such as the Intra-ASEAN Tourism Recovery Campaign, which received support from the Canadian Trade and Investment Facility for Development, as well as ASEAN’s collaboration with regional travel trade publisher and event organiser TTG Asia Media and the Sub-Regional Secretariats to amplify the call to visit South-east Asia.

Focus ahead will be on accomplishing even more key measures under the Post-Covid-19 Recovery Plan for ASEAN Tourism. These include developing regional cruise tourism and the promotion of new and lesser known destinations in the region.

Sandiaga recognises that connectivity improvements – not just within South-east Asia but also from markets outside of the region – are crucial for ASEAN member states to achieve these joint tourism goals.

In the case of Indonesia, direct flights to and from India are still lacking despite the latter being the “lowest of the low-hanging fruits” for tourism.

Philippine Tourism secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said tourism heads have agreed to work on boosting air lift by identifying airports that can be used to operate additional direct flights for the purpose of driving tourism flow into both key and emerging destinations.

She added that some of the new flights – either scheduled or chartered – may be launched this year for routes within South-east Asia as well as to and from ASEAN-Plus Three partners China, India and South Korea.

Tourism development across the region will also consider responsible and inclusive growth for all, and the need for greater digitalisation.

-TTG Asia.

Tourism Malaysia Organises First Sales Mission In Thailand After Border Reopens

 

BANGKOK, 18 August 2022 – Malaysia has finally lifted sanctions on its border on 1st April 2022, marking the end of travelling restrictions into the country. Leveraging this new development, Tourism Malaysia has decided to embark on its first sales mission to two (2) major cities in Thailand, namely Songkhla and Bangkok, from 15 until 19 August 2022, after more than two years of hiatus.

The trip kicks off in the city of Songkhla, followed by Bangkok, and is led by the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri together with Malaysia’s tourism fraternity which consists of Malaysia-based airlines, travel agents, hoteliers, and product owners.

Thailand has been and remains as one of Malaysia’s essential short-haul markets. In 2019, Malaysia welcomed 1,884,306 arrivals from Thailand, and almost 70 per cent of Thais tourists were repeat travellers. Apart from its objective to instil confidence among Thais to feel safe to visit Malaysia once again, the sales mission aims to provide a platform for the industry community to bounce back and return even stronger.

Dato’ Sri Nancy said, “The past two years have been tremendously challenging for us, but ever since the reopening of our international border last April, I am glad to let you know that we have surpassed our initial target of 2 million international tourist arrivals with RM8.6 billion in tourism receipts. Hence, we have revised our target of welcoming 4.5 million international tourist arrivals with RM11.1 billion in tourism receipts this year as we are optimistic about achieving higher numbers.”

“We are delighted to have Thai travellers experience our newly developed and latest attractions, including our outdoor theme park in the highlands – the newly-opened Genting SkyWorld, and the magnificent Merdeka 118 Tower in Kuala Lumpur, currently standing as the world’s second-tallest building,” she added.

Since the reopening of its borders, Thailand is on the top four arrivals to Malaysia. Malaysia opened its shores for quarantine-free travel on 1st April 2022 to welcome fully- vaccinated international travellers. From 1st August 2022, the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia has announced the relaxation of requirements for travellers to enter Malaysia.

Travellers are no longer required to fill in the Traveller’s Card, or undergo a Pre- Departure Test (PDT) and On Arrival Test (OAT) for their visit to Malaysia. Travel insurance is also no longer a prerequisite for foreigners entering the country.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Dato’ Sri Nancy Meets With ASEAN Ambassadors And High Commissioners To Discuss Tourism Development

 

BANGSAR, 6 July 2022 – The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato' Sri Hajah Nancy Binti Shukri exclusively hosted a high tea with nine (9) Ambassadors and High Commissioners from the ASEAN countries.

It was an absolute privilege for Tourism Malaysia to bring together, His Excellency Ambassadors from Cambodia, Indonesia, Her Excellency from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, His Excellency from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, as well as High Commissioners from Singapore and Brunei, for the very first time.

The high tea was held to foster a closer bilateral relationship between Malaysia and the ASEAN countries as well as to reconnect after two long years of bracing the COVID-19 pandemic. The meet also served as an introduction and a teaser to a 3-day-2-night (3D2N) retreat for all Ambassadors and High Commissioners to explore the state of Pahang, scheduled in August 2022.

During the recent ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) that was held in Cambodia in January, the Joint Media Statement of the 25th Meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministers stated the way forward for the Region to recover through the implementation of the Post-Covid-19 Recovery Plan for ASEAN National Tourism Organisations (NTO), which was endorsed in September 2021.

“Moving forward, I believe we can work together to strengthen collaborations in marketing and promoting the region’s tourism offerings. This is also in line with the new ASEAN branding ‘A Destination for Every Dream’, where we can continue to market Southeast Asia as a single destination,” said Dato’ Sri Nancy during the get-together.

ASEAN countries have been the major contributors to Malaysia’s international tourist arrivals. In 2019, the total arrivals to Malaysia from the ASEAN region was 17,880,151, a 68.5% share of the overall arrivals of 26,100,784 tourists. Despite the closed borders in 2020 and 2021, essential travellers travelling into Malaysia still contributed 68% of the total tourist arrivals, i.e 2,949,363 in 2020 and 91, 665 in 2021.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Pegawai Tourism Malaysia Di Luar Negara Mainkan Peranan Promosikan Malaysia

 

4 Mac 2022 - Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia (MOTAC), YB Dato' Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri telah mengadakan sesi pertemuan bersama lapan (8) orang pegawai Tourism Malaysia (TM) yang terdiri daripada Pengarah dan Timbalan Pengarah yang bakal bertukar ke beberapa Pejabat TM Luar Negeri pada 3 Mac 2022.

Kesemua lapan orang pegawai itu masing-masing akan ditempatkan di Pejabat TM di London, Jakarta, Istanbul, Sydney, New Delhi, Jeddah, Taipei dan Auckland.

Dato' Sri Hajah Nancy dalam pertemuan tersebut menekankan agar kesemua pegawai TM berkenaan melaksanakan tugas sebagai wakil pemasaran (marketing representative) yang bertanggungjawab dan peka dengan segment pemasaran di negara-negara tersebut.

Ini menurut beliau penting untuk mempromosikan sektor pelancongan menggunakan strategi pemasaran yang sesuai dengan setiap norma negara tersebut.

Seiring dgn perkembangan teknologi digital, pegawai harus berusaha mempelbagaikan strategi pemasaran agar dapat mencapai kelompok sasaran. Selain itu, mereka perlu menjalinkan hubungan yang baik bersama negara penempatan (host country) dan bekerjasama erat dengan pemain industri tempatan. Mereka turut diseru untuk mempelbagaikan promosi pakej-pakej pelancongan baharu serta memberi tumpuan kepada emerging market di negara penempatan tersebut.

Menurut Dato' Sri Hajah Nancy lagi, dua dasar MOTAC iaitu Dasar Pelancongan Negara (DPN) dan Dasar Kebudayaan Negara (DAKEN) harus dijadikan sebagai panduan dalam setiap perancangan yang boleh mengangkat nama Malaysia di mata dunia.

“Kita mesti menarik minat seluruh spektrum pelancong seperti cultural enthusiasts, environmental lovers dan medical tourist. Ini bagi mencapai sasaran pemasaran yang unik, strategik dan seiring dengan matlamat DPN dan DAKEN,” jelas Dato' Sri Hajah Nancy.

Tambahnya, seperti negara luar yang lain, Malaysia juga akan membuka sempadannya apabila toba masanya nanti.

Justeru, adalah penting untuk kesemua pegawai TM Luar Negeri untuk turut menggunakan pendekatan berorientasikan kepada digital agar sasaran Malaysia untuk meningkatkan jumlah kemasukan pelancong dari negara luar, tercapai sekaligus dapat mempercepatkan fasa pemulihan industri pelancongan tahun ini.

-MOTAC.

Domestic tourism likely to recover earlier than expected, says minister

photo: PelanconganKini

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's domestic tourism sector, badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic following the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO), will recover earlier than expected.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the optimism was attributed to the high level of compliance with the prescribed standard operating procedures (SOP) by Malaysians.

"This high level of SOP compliance provides an assurance for the people that it is safe to travel (in the country)," she said after visiting several tourist spots in the city, such as Dataran Merdeka, Eco-Forest Park and the Royal Museum.

Nancy said domestic tourism was slowly recovering from the affect of the pandemic and that tourism authorities and bodies have started going down to the ground to check on the situation at hand.

"But, right now we need to restore and recover the confidence of the people that it is safe to travel in the country while adhering the standard operating procedure (SOP) set by the government," she said.

On whether the ministry is aiming for any figure on the number of domestic tourists traveling nationwide, the minister said there were not set aim, as the situation remained unpredictable.

In the Dewan Rakyat sitting two days ago, Nancy was reported to have said that the country's tourism sector is estimated to suffer losses amounting to RM45 billion this year as a result of the closure of the country's borders due to Covid-19.

She said that of the total, the international tourism segment was projected to suffer losses of more than RM31 billion while the rest was from the domestic segment.

Clarifying on nationwide hotel occupancy rates touching 75 per cent, she said the rate was for popular resorts and tourist destinations, such as in Langkawi as well as riverine and coastal locations.

"However, the average occupancy rate of hotels nationwide is 21 to 30 per cent. It is our hope that domestic travel will be a trend in the country to help our entrepreneurs and those working in hotels," she added.

Nancy also adviced the domestic tourism industries to improvise their products and services to attract more local visitors and this would in turn help to boost their business.

On the proposed international travel bubble, she said discussion involving travel from green zone countries to enter Malaysia was still ongoing.

She the government was still identifying green zone regions in Asean as well as from regions from such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Korea.

"We are looking into regions instead of the country itself as some countries have second wave of Covid-19 cases," she said.

-nst online.

Pelan Pemulihan Efektif Bagi Semarakkan Semula Sektor Pelancongan Dan Kebudayaan Negara

PUTRAJAYA, 10 JUN 2020 - Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya (MOTAC) mengumumkan pelan pemulihan pelancongan dan kebudayaan bagi membolehkan ekonomi negara pulih dengan segera akibat wabak pendemik COVID-19.

YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Menteri Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya berkata, “Sebagai permulaan, kita mahu ia dibuktikan menerusi pelancongan domestik, yang mana dari kalangan kita sendiri, sama ada yang ada di sini hari ini atau di luar sana, harus memainkan peranan berganding bahu bersama-sama, menyemarakkan semula industri pelancongan negara, sekaligus meletakkan Malaysia sebagai sebuah destinasi pelancongan selamat untuk dikunjungi pada masa hadapan. Ini seiring dengan misi kita pada masa hadapan apabila sektor pelancongan mula dibuka untuk pengunjung luar, apabila keadaan kembali pulih satu hari nanti,” jelasnya dalam sidang media di sini, hari ini.

Beliau memberitahu bagi merancakkan semula atau ‘rebound’ industri pelancongan dan kebudayaan negara, strategi-strategi awal pelan pemulihan pelancongan dan kebudayaan telahpun dikenalpasti dalam membantu meringankan beban penggiat industri pelancongan menangani impak wabak pandemik COVID-19 iaitu:

1. Pelaksanaan kursus Domestic Tourism Vibes secara atas talian dengan kerjasama Persatuan Institut-institut Latihan Pelancongan Malaysia (ATTIM) dan Malaysian Tourist Guide Council (MTGC) bermula Mei sehingga November 2020 kepada kumpulan pemandu pelancong berlesen yang akan tamat tempoh lesen pemanduan bermula April sehingga Disember 2020;
2. Pengecualian bayaran fi lesen bagi pengusaha-pengusaha pelancongan dan pemandu pelancong yang dilesenkan di bawah Akta Industri Pelancongan 1992 atau Akta 482 bermula 17 Mac hingga 31 Disember 2020;
3. Pemberian diskaun pembayaran kompaun sebanyak 40% kepada semua pengusahaan pelancongan dan pemandu pelancong berlesen yang dikenakan kompaun oleh Kementerian ini sebelum 31 Disember 2020;
4. Perlanjutan tempoh bayaran kompaun sehingga 31 Disember 2020 bagi semua kompaun yang dikeluarkan kepada syarikat atau pemandu pelancong berlesen; dan
5. Pengecualian kompaun kepada pengusahaan pelancong dan pemandu pelancong yang gagal memperbaharui lesen dalam tempoh yang ditetapkan disebabkan oleh PKP dengan syarat permohonan lengkap perlu dikemukakan dalam tempoh 60 hari selepas tamat tempoh PKP.

Tambah beliau, bagi sektor kebudayaan, MOTAC telah mengambil inisiatif untuk memperkenalkan pelbagai program dalam talian sepanjang tempoh PKP dan PKPB. Antara 3 segmen program dalam talian adalah seperti berikut:

(i) Program pembangunan seni budaya;

(ii) Program pengembangan seni budaya; dan

(iii) Program pemasaran dan promosi.

Selain itu, MOTAC melalui Tourism Malaysia, telahpun mengenalpasti beberapa program bagi merancakkan lagi pelancongan domestik. Antaranya ialah:-

1. Aktiviti perhubungan awam merentas negeri (Intra & interstate PR Activation) dengan syarikat-syarikat radio tempatan untuk mempromosikan tempat-tempat menarik di seluruh Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia juga akan membantu penggiat industri mempromosikan produknya melalui laman web www.malaysia.travel dan media sosial yang tersedia di peringkat ibu pejabat dan di Pejabat Wilayah;
2. Mempromosikan Kempen Cuti Cuti Malaysia untuk menggalakkan rakyat negara ini melancong di dalam negara sejajar dengan hebahan YAB Perdana Menteri;
3. Menggunakan platform seperti Cuti-Cuti Malaysia E-Travel Fair, E-Corporate Bazaar dan Malaysia Tourism Travel Bazaar bagi membantu industri memperbanyakkan tawaran pakej-pakej menarik kepada konsumer. Platfom e-korporat bazaar ini akan turut dipanjangkan kepada industri MICE domestik. Penggiat industri digalakkan untuk mengumpul pakej-pakej menarik dan kemukakan kepada Tourism Malaysia melalui persatuan-persatuan pelancongan yang sedia ada untuk dimasukkan dalam platform yang sedia ada seperti www.malaysia.travel; dan
4. Galakan Melancong Malaysia (GAMELAN) diteruskan dan dipermudahkan dari masa ke semasa terutamanya untuk aktiviti-aktiviti promosi dan pemasaran domestik. Maklumat berkaitan GAMELAN boleh diperolehi di laman web www.tourism.gov.my

Bagi memastikan keselamatan, pembukaan kembali sektor pelancongan domestik turut melibatkan beberapa perkara yang dilarang dan dibenarkan dengan syarat pematuhan kepada semua prosedur operasi standard (SOP) yang ditetapkan Majlis Keselamatan Negara (MKN) dan Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia.

Dalam hal ini, MOTAC telah mencadangkan 12 subsektor pelancongan dan kebudayaan dengan SOP bagi tujuan pembukaan mulai hari ini. Ia boleh dikategorikan kepada 2 iaitu Dibenarkan Dengan SOP dan Senarai Terlarang.

Aktiviti sub sektor yang dibenarkan dengan SOP meliputi:-

1. Pameran Hasil Seni, Budaya & Warisan di Premis dan Fasiliti Awam Kebudayaan;
2. Premis Penginapan Hotel;
3. Syarikat Pengendali Pelancongan;
4. Pemanduan Pemandu Pelancong;
5. Operasi Institut Latihan Pelancongan (ILP);
6. Program Pengalaman Homestay Malaysia;
7. Aktiviti Pelancongan Pengembaraan dan Aktiviti Lasak (SOP Umum KBS telah lulus); dan
8. Aktiviti Selam Skuba dan Snorkeling (SOP Umum KBS telah lulus).

YB Dato’ Sri Nancy juga berkata bahawa pemain industri pelancongan dan kebudayaan perlu bersiap sedia dengan norma baharu ini demi memastikan kelangsungan dalam menyumbang kepada ekonomi negara. Beliau berharap usaha-usaha yang dirancangkan ini dapat mengembalikan daya saing industri ini serta mendapat sokongan padu dan kerjasama penuh daripada semua pihak berkepentingan termasuk NGO dan penggiat industri yang berkaitan.

Klip video promosi pelancongan domestik boleh diakses melalui laman web serta laman sosial rasmi Tourism Malaysia, juga melalui pautan : Cuti-Cuti Malaysia

-MOTAC.

Malaysian tourism players urged to focus on domestic travel, events for recovery

Minister Nancy Shukri is seeking funding for online training courses for tourism frontliners

The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is looking at ways of strengthening domestic tourism and restoring the travel confidence of locals, once it is safe to do so.

Speaking at a recent webinar organised by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), entitled Protecting the Tourism Workforce, minister Nancy Shukri said domestic tourism will help to spur the local tourism industry which has been badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Nancy called on inbound tour operators to create innovative programmes in rural areas as well as areas that have been neglected by tourism stakeholders, while the ministry will help with promotions.

She added: “We are also looking at providing online training to further enhance the skills and quality of services for tourism frontliners.”

For this purpose, the ministry has proposed to the Economic Action Council for limited training allowances to run online training courses.

Nancy urged inbound tour operators to make use of the ministry’s grants for domestic marketing and promotions of domestic business events for 2020.

-TTG Asia.

Cancellation Of VISIT MALAYSIA 2020 (VM2020) Campaign And Guest Stay At Tourist Accommodation Premises Throughout The Movement Control Order (MCO)

Following the recent Movement Control Order (MCO) in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has decided to take the following pre-emptive actions:

• Cancellation of Visit Malaysia Campaign 2020 (VM2020)
• A freeze on all over-the-counter and online services for new application, license renewal of travel operating business and travel, tourist guide, tourism training institute and registration of rated tourist accommodation premises as well as spa and foot massage centre.

The cancellation of Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020) with immediate effect is in line with the impact of COVID-19 outbreak which has profoundly affected the tourism sector in Malaysia and the whole world.

A freeze on all over-the-counter and online services at Tourism Licensing Division and MOTAC state offices concerning tourism licensing including business travel operator, tourist guide, tourism training institute and registration of rated tourist accommodation premises, spa centre and foot massage centre is also effective immediately until 31 March 2020.

Pursuant to the media statement issued by the National Security Council on the MCO, all tourist accommodation premises are allowed to operate at minimum level. Their services are to be rendered to guests who have already checked-in into the hotels before 18 March 2020, whilst food and beverages are restricted to room service only. On that note, the guests are to remain in their rooms throughout the quarantine period.

Check-ins at the tourist accommodation premises during the Movement Control Order are allowed but on a limited scale. For guests who have to extend their stay due to the implementation of MCO, they may book and/or check-in with the tourist accommodation premises according to their budget. However, new check-ins for domestic tourists are not allowed.

On this note, I urge the public to abide by the rule of social distancing during the implementation of the MCO and to get verified information from official sources. Together, let us do our part to flatten the curve and pray for the safety of our beloved country and people.

Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri
Minister
Tourism, Arts and Culture

18 March 2020.

Tambur Festival: new tourism product for Lahad Datu

LAHAD DATU, Oct 20 -- The Tambur Festival, which showcases the arts and cultural heritage of the various ethnics in the sub-district of Tungku, has the potential to become a new tourism product for the Lahad Datu district.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi, who opened the festival here today, said it should be made an annual event and organised on a larger scale, maybe for three to four days, next year.

The Tambur Festival is held for the first time this year at Dataran Tungku, about 69 kilometres from Lahad Datu town.

Mohamaddin, who is Lahad Datu Member of Parliament, said the festival would also be included in the state tourism calendar.

Tambur is a traditional musical instrument and often played during cultural performances and in the sub-district of Tungku, there are seven ethnic communities, comprising Idahaan, Begak, Bajau, Dusun Silabukan, Dusun Segamo, Tidung and Bugis

Meanwhile, Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Assaffal P Alian said the Sabah Institute of Development Studies (IDS) had been appointed as a consultant to carry out a feasibility study on upgrading Tungku as a full district.

“We also want IDS to come up with a development roadmap for Tungku,” said the Tungku assemblyman, adding that a report would be tabled to the state cabinet after IDS had completed the study.

-bernama.

More tourists visiting Sabah

Mohamaddin said the tourism sector was on the right track.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah was one of nine states and two federal territories that recorded an increase hotel guests in the first quarter of the year.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi said there was a 0.9% increase in guests staying in the state as compared with the first three months of 2018.

Sabah was one of five top states in terms of receiving hotel guests, along with Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Johor and Penang.

Mohamaddin said overall, during the period, the number of hotel guests increased by 0.18%, to 18.33 million during the first three months of this year compared with 18.30 million in the same period last year.

He said the surge was the result of efforts by the government and agencies involved including the private sector in promoting tourism products nationwide.

He added that it was an indicator that the tourism sector was now on the right track and the hike was prompted by continuous promotion efforts abroad and the work of local (tourism) industry activists to promote the national tourism products.

‘’The increase recorded was not only contributed by domestic but also foreign tourists, ’’ he said after paying a courtesy call on Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal at his office.

During the meeting, Mohamaddin and Mohd Shafie shared ideas on tourism promotion plans in Sabah and the rest of the country.

Mohamaddin said if measured from the hotel guests’ data, Sabah recorded 1.71 million tourists in the first quarter of this year compared with 1.68 million during the same period last year.

His ministry would identify new products which could be highlighted to help in an increase in tourists that did not focus on hotel service but the tourism sector as a whole.

On the drop in hotel guests in several states, he said that the figures were expected to go up in the second quarter.

-bernama.

Cultural tourism earns country RM551 mln a year - Mohamaddin

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- The cultural tourism sector has generated an average revenue of RM551 million for the past three years, says Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi.

He said last year, more than 17 million visitors participated in the cultural tourism programmes and it is the number is expected to rise further this year.

"Practices and way of life, performing arts and handicraft products have their own attraction, which can be promoted as well as able to generate income for the country, and the increase in visitors seen annually is a testimony to the great achievement.

"In addition, efforts by the Department of Museums Malaysia in collaborating with foreign countries to produce exhibitions, including countries like Kazakhstan is a positive effort for the institution to continue to flourish and strengthen its international network as well as increase the number of visitors to the country," he told reporters after opening the Alharamain International Exhibition themed ‘A Journey over Thousands of Years’ and a meet and greet session with industry players here today.

The Alharamain International Exhibition, which runs until July 21, is an exhibition featuring Islamic art collections from over 1,400 years ago.

In another development, Mohamaddin said the National Museum was selected to host the Asian National Museums Association (ANMA) Conference for the very first time from Oct 29 to 31 this year.

"The conference will see participation from various Asian countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Kazakhstan, and will discuss the theme as well as highlight the functions of national museums. They will meet and come up with a resolution on the development of museums. I am confident that this intensive planning and continuous promotion will enhance the visibility of museums," he said.

Meanwhile, National Museums Department director-general Datuk Kamarul Baharin A Kasim said the seventh ANMA conference would also discuss the latest changes and museum developments focused on education and research systems as well as building good ties among Asian countries.

"The ANMA conference is still new, and so far 19 out of 23 member countries have agreed to participate in this conference, and we expect the largest three countries in this field, namely China, Japan and Korea to participate in this ANMA," he explained.

-bernama.