All for promoting tourism: (From left) Ng, Leong and Koh.
PETALING JAYA: Tourism industry players have called on the government to boost the 2025 allocations for technology, product development, marketing and digitalisation ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Malaysia’s Asean Chair tenure.
They said the vigorous promotion of tourist attractions would help states attract more local tourists in the “Cuti-Cuti Malaysia” campaign.
Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association president Datuk Angie Ng wants a stronger emphasis on digital marketing and increased flight connectivity.
“With the visa-free entry for Chinese tourists extended until the end of 2026, traditional promotion methods should be reconsidered in favour of digital approaches,” she said.
Ng highlighted the potential of LED advertisements in high-traffic areas and the influential power of key opinion leaders (KOLs) in attracting tourists.
“Selecting KOLs with millions of followers to create short promotional videos can effectively showcase Malaysia’s attractions,” she said.
Ng also stressed the importance of increasing direct flights to Malaysia and promoting charter flights from lesser-known Chinese cities.
The Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association also called for increased funding for the tourism sector in Budget 2025.
Its president Mint Leong proposed tax exemptions for travel agents focusing on inbound tourists.
ALSO READ: (Poll) What do you want for Budget 2025?
She said this would alleviate their financial burden, and help boost their promotional efforts to attract more tourists.
Other recommendations are special grants and development funds for new tourism projects, ensuring these are available to both local and foreign investors, she added.
Leong underscored Malaysia’s strategic role as the Asean Chair next year, noting the government’s plans to host around 300 official and ministerial-level meetings.
“Developing the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) sector is crucial for boosting tourism,” she added.
Leong also advocated for a strategic approach to funding, prioritising innovative and sustainable tourism activities.
She emphasised the need for diversified funding for the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry to support international exhibitions and promotional activities.
“Digitalisation is the future of tourism. Our promotion websites need robust protection, and we must clearly define our direction,” she said.
She also highlighted the need to effectively promote Malaysia’s tourist destinations, pointing out that despite the country’s abundant resources, attracting investors remains a challenge.
“We must continue digital and traditional advertising while ensuring the security of these platforms,” she added.
Malaysia Cruise Industry Association president Datuk Seri Koh Yock Heng called for the government to provide increased incentives to attract international cruise liners to use Malaysia as a primary home port.
He said the port facilities in Port Klang, Penang and Langkawi should be upgraded, and called for effective global marketing strategies to position Malaysia as a leading tourist destination.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced in his Budget 2024 speech that 2026 would be Visit Malaysia Year, with a target of attracting 26.1 million foreign tourists and generating RM97.6mil in domestic spending.
