Tourism Malaysia highlights sustainable tourism

~ Malaysia Airlines, part of the Malaysia Pavilion at WTM London.

Marking its 42nd year of involvement since 1981, Tourism Malaysia once again participated in the World Travel Market (WTM London) 2023, happening from 6 to 8 November 2023 at ExCeL London. Led by Dato' Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman, Secretary General of Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC), the Malaysian delegation consists of 92 participants from 50 organisations, comprising state tourism boards, tour operators, hotels & resorts, associations, and airlines.

Tourism Malaysia collaborated with the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) in launching the Sustainable Malaysia Initiative during the travel fair, which featured British wildlife artist, Rachel Gray, at the Malaysia Pavilion. The initiative featured a portrait of a Malaysian tiger up for auction, from which the proceeds will go to Royal Belum State Park to support its sustainable tourism initiatives and indigenous communities.

Aimed to highlight Malaysia’s ecotourism and sustainable tourism efforts, Tourism Malaysia together with seven (7) state tourism boards from Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Penang, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak, and Terengganu showcased their existing and new tourism products that centres around the country’s rich biodiversity and local communities.

“We proudly promote our flagship tourism products that international and UK travellers love, such as our islands and beaches, shopping, family holidays, and eco-adventure tours. We are excited to announce that there is more to explore than ever, with many new hotels and attractions that will enhance Malaysia's destination appeal,” says Dato' Roslan.

“We also invite you to embark on a culinary journey through Malaysia. Come for the sights, stay for the flavours, and leave with a heart full of memories and a palate forever enchanted. Malaysia welcomes you with open arms and a feast for your senses,” he adds.

For the European market, the United Kingdom remains to be the largest market from the region for Malaysia’s tourism industry. From January to September 2023, Malaysia welcomed 14.4 million international tourist arrivals. The UK market contributed a total of 197,794 arrivals, a significant growth of 150.3% in comparison to the same period in 2022. Malaysia targets to receive 16.1 million international tourist arrivals in 2023, with MYR49.2 billion in projected tourism receipts.

The next Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) has been set for 2026, and the government has targeted 26.1 million foreign tourist arrivals, including UK market, with domestic spending of RM97.6 billion. 

~ Acting CEO of STB, Yusfida Khalid (third left) and Chairman of STB, Dennis Ngau (centre) at the Sarawak Pavilion.

~ BorneoTalk's own Ashley Pan (left) with Director of Terengganu State Tourism Department, Ahmad Ridzwan Abdul Rahman and Terengganu Tourism Department Assistance Director (Tourism Development), Farhan Abdul Razak.

~ Mayor of Seremban City Council, Pahang, Dato’ Masri Haji Razali and BorneoTalk's own Ashley Pan (right).

~ (from right) Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) Head of Group Communications, Khairunnisak Dzun Nurin, Chief Commercial Officer of BorneoTalk, Ashley Pan, MAG Group Managing Director, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail.

~ Pahang Unity, Tourism Culture Committee Chairman, Leong Yu Man (left) with BorneoTalk's own Ashley Pan at the Malaysia Pavilion.