Glittery affair: Tiong (centre) viewing jewellery at Tomei’s 55th Emerald Year – Bloom From Within campaign launch.— YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Travel operators will no longer be allowed to list shopping itineraries as part of their tours following numerous complaints from visitors, said Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
The Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister said tourists must be taken to appropriate attractions when they arrive in Malaysia.
He said itineraries that include just one or two attractions followed by shopping are not allowed.
“We will issue a circular that states that tour guides are not allowed to take visitors shopping and should not include shopping destinations in their itineraries.
“We’ll upgrade our tourism website to include a location list for hotels, bars, restaurants and retail centres,” he said after launching Tomei’s 55th Emerald Year – Bloom From Within campaign.
He said tour operators could schedule breaks for a day or two so tourists could choose where to go shopping.
Tiong pointed out that other countries had implemented the same move.
“We will call travel agents for a meeting and will implement the move soon,” he said.
Tiong said his ministry would take the necessary action if incoming tours continue to include shopping trips.
He said that if tourists want to shop, they could make their own decisions and choices.
On a separate issue, Tiong pointed out that the expected influx of Chinese tourists following the move by the Chinese government to reopen its borders is expected to boost the domestic consumer market and would be a catalyst for economic recovery.
“Therefore, we must grasp the needs and intentions of travellers from China and make appropriate arrangements to attract them.
“I hope the relevant businesses will seize the opportunity to tailor-make itineraries and products for tourists celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China (in 2024),” he added.
During the event, Tomei unveiled its colour theme for this year – a shade of green that corresponds with their 55th anniversary, a year associated with the emerald.
The deep green hue represents eternal commitment and directly reflects Tomei’s promise to honour tradition, embrace modernity and bring only the best to its customers.
To attract more investors and bolster the company’s competitive edge, Tomei Consolidated Bhd managing director Datuk Ng Yih Pyng stated the company’s future development plan would also align with global environmental, social and governance (ESG) trends.
“Tomei Group promises that we will strengthen our supply chain management, comply with international ESG standards, and lay a more solid foundation for the enterprise’s future sustainable operation and development,” Ng added.
