ITB Berlin News 2019 - Preview Edition

NEWS
9
DUE TO THE FAVOURABLE
EXCHANGE RATE MALAYSIA IS
A VALUE-FOR-MONEY
DESTINATION
Celebrating arrival of new Condor flight
from Frankfurt to Kuala Lumpur
New Malaysian Administration Stresses
Vital Nature of Tourism Industry
In the run-up to ITB Berlin 2019 with Malaysia as Official Partner Country, the
nation’s new government reiterates its dedication to growing the tourism industry
With the final count-down on to ITB Berlin 2019, the
Official Partner Country, Malaysia, has reiterated its strong
determination to supporting tourism as a key driver for the
nation’s economy.
At present, the tourism industry
accounts for around 15% of the
nation’s economy, a workforce of
some 3.2 million people, and 22.7%
of Malaysia’s total employment
figure. In order to further develop
tourism in this country in Southeast
Asia, Tourism Malaysia is focusing
on improving scheduled air services
and chartered flights by partnering
with various airlines.
Speaking at the recent Travel Mart
of the Pacific Asia Travel Association
(PATA) in Langkawi, Malaysia’s
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri
Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said:
“Last year we welcomed a total of
25.9 million tourists and registered
RM 82.2 billion in receipts. We
are looking to attract 30 million
tourists by 2020.” The deputy prime
minister emphasised that tourism
was a key economic factor and
of great importance to the new
administration, and assured all
its investors that Malaysia would
remain a strategic partner for their
investment plans.
VALUE FOR MONEY,
GROWTH IN THE HOTEL
INDUSTRY AND NEW
ATTRACTIONS
Malaysia’s tourism attractions are
as diverse as the country itself.
They range from million-year old
rainforests, islands and beaches
to shopping and luxury holidays.
“Due to the favourable exchange
rate Malaysia is a value-for-money
destination. Hotels, food, beverages
and holiday attractions are among
the world’s lowest-priced, while
high-quality all the same”, said
Dr Wan Azizah. According to the
deputy prime minister, since 2017
the hotel sector has expanded by
250 new hotels, an increase of 8.5%,
and a further 130 hotels featuring
26,000 rooms are planned. “We are
pleased that well-known brands
such as Westin, Mercure, Sheraton,
W, St. Regis, Four Seasons and Hyatt
have recognised how valuable
Malaysia is for their expansion and
investment plans”, she said.
Impressive tourist attractions
currently under development
include the Desaru Coast featuring
a water park, golf courses and a
conference centre in Johor, an ultramodern
complex in the coastal city
of Malacca, and the 20th Century
Fox World theme park in Genting
Highlands. Dr Wan Ismail added:
“Malaysia is also an ideal destination
for MICE and business events as
well as weddings and honeymoons.
Malaysia is also drawing attention
as a filming location.
MALAYSIA BOOSTS
ITS INTERNATIONAL
PRESENCE AS THE
PARTNER COUNTRY OF
ITB BERLIN 2019
“We are deeply grateful to receive
the title of ‘Official Partner Country
of ITB Berlin’. It draws global
attention and has the potential to
reach out to key decision-makers
and leading industry players in the
region”, is how Malaysia’s Tourism
Minister Tuan Mohamaddin Ketapi
valued the significance of the
country’s role as partner country of
ITB Berlin 2019.
George Town street art Tourists at sky mirror
“Our advertising and promotional
campaigns have been enhanced
with digital marketing on social
platforms such as Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
in order to boost our international
presence and reach out to an
increasingly mobile and techsavvy
tourism market”, the
Minister said. This year, Malaysia
was also awarded the title of
Preferred Destination Partner of the
European Travel Agencies and Tour
Operator’s Association (ECTAA),
which consists of 32 travel agent
and tour operator associations from
30 European countries with 70,000
enterprises.
In positioning Malaysia as a
winter holiday destination and
tapping into the luxury market, the
nation’s tourism authorities are
also working closely with British
Marella Cruises (known formerly
as Thomson Cruises). The Marella
will be homeporting in Langkawi,
bringing in a potential 7,200 cruise
passengers this year-end. Another
major development is the upcoming
establishment of TUI Group in
Malaysia, the first in Southeast
Asia. “The presence of TUI here
on our shores is a testament of the
confidence that the organisation
has in Malaysia,” concludes the
Minister
Hall 26a / Stand 117
ITB BERLIN NEWS • Wednesday 27 th February 2019