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Daily Express
3 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Asean travel meet as yearly event mooted
Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025 Text Size: Liew (4th right) with other guests and the organisers at the welcome dinner. From left: Dr Maklarin, Julinus, Wong, Lai, Eddy, Tan, Noredah, and Captain Fareh. Kota Kinabalu: Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew suggests that the inaugural Asean Travel Exchange 2025 (ATEX 2025) be made an annual event. She raised the subject to the applause of 500 delegates from 15 countries at the welcome dinner hosted by her at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru (Star) on Thursday. 'An event of this nature is conducive to promoting travel and cultural exchanges, making new connections, building rapport and strengthening existing ties among Asean member countries,' Liew said, while urging the President of the Federation of Asean Travel Associations (FATA), Datuk Tan Kok Liang, who was present, to look into her suggestion. For tourism growth, the Minister, who was the guest of honour, also proposed reciprocal visits among the 10 member countries, saying ASEAN tourism must seize new opportunities and create new adventures. Speaking to the delegates, Liew said: 'If it's your first time in Sabah, I encourage you to explore beyond the venue. From the iconic Mount Kinabalu, a symbol of strength and unity, to vibrant markets and islands full of life, Sabah welcomes you with more than just beauty; it offers unforgettable experiences. 'As Malaysia is the Chairman of Asean this year, ATEX 2025 serves as a reminder that our greatest strength lies in the unity of its people and purpose. It invites us to celebrate the bonds of friendship and shared purpose that bring us together. Advertisement 'As the inaugural dinner of the Asean Travel Exchange, tonight also marks the beginning of a new tradition of unity through tourism.' The participating countries were Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, China, India, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan and South Korea. ATEX 2025 was jointly organised by Asean Tourism Association (Aseanta), Federation of AseanTravel Associations (FATA) and Malaysia Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS), Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Sabah Convention Bureau (SCB) and Tourism Malaysia. Strategic partners included AirAsia and Jetama Water. Among the guests were Permanent Secretary to KePKAS Datuk Josie Lai, Deputy Permanent Secretary I Mary Malangking, President of ASEANTA Eddy Krismeidi, President of MATTA Nigel Wong, and CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra. Also present were Chairman of Sri Pelancongan Sabah, Ken Pan, Director of Sabah Parks Dr Maklarin Lajim, Director of Sabah Wildlife Department, Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, CEO of STB Julinus Jeffery Jimit, and CEO of SCB Noredah Othman. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
12-06-2025
- The Star
Tourism image on the line
Towering beauty: Tourists taking photos of the Merdeka 118 tower at Petaling Street. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star PETALING JAYA: From beaches to rainforests, captivating urban developments, vibrant cultures and great food, Malaysia has everything going for it as it prepares to welcome tourists ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). With less than six months to go, tourism industry players are geared up for an influx of tourists. However, many warn of unscrupulous folk posing as legitimate service providers, aiming to deceive and profit from tourists. They say this can stunt VM2026 promotional efforts, adding that one bad incident can make things go south. Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Nigel Wong said there must be no delay in weeding out illegal tourism service providers. 'We need increased enforcement by the necessary ministries and agencies now, not later. 'This needs to be eradicated even before 2026 comes around,' he said. On tourism products, Wong said MATTA has been working with agencies like Tourism Malaysia to target different markets leading into VM2026. This includes tourists from Europe, within Asean, and those from China, Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region. 'We are also focusing on sustainable tourism and promoting cultural experiences across different ethnic groups within city centres,' said Wong. He urged for improved land connectivity to help tourists explore more of what Malaysia had to offer. Malaysia Airports, on its website, is also warning holidaymakers of travel scams targeting tourists. These scams occur when travellers purchase tour packages, which are usually cheaper than what is offered in the market, from travel agents or agencies. After purchasing the packages, travellers would find themselves stranded at the airport with their details not found in the airlines' ticketing system. The public is advised to check with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry website to verify the legitimacy of a travel agent or agency. Malaysian Tourism Federation president Datuk Tan Kok Liang expressed concerns over scams, unlicensed operators and inconsistent service standards. 'Malaysia's reputation is on the line and strict enforcement is needed,' he said. He said the organisation was working closely with travel partners to curate thematic packages, focusing on culture, eco-tourism and experiential travel, especially across lesser-known gems in Malaysia. Agrotourism, he said, held significant untapped potential nationwide, citing Perlis and Tawau in Sabah as examples. 'Perlis offers a unique countryside experience, including visits to mango farms, with the state renowned for the Harumanis mango. 'Tawau, meanwhile, is home to one of the best cocoa plantations. 'These destinations exemplify the kind of hidden gems that can be spotlighted, helping to diversify tourism offerings and boost rural economies,' Tan said. Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association president Sri Ganesh Michiel said all forms of unlicensed tourism services and products should be nipped in the bud to enhance tourists' experience of Malaysia. 'Allowing short-term rental accommodations to continue operations into VM2026 efforts would see the hard work of tourism players and the government being ripped by unlicensed service providers,' he said. 'Legal businesses are the ones paying taxes and will not stand to benefit much from the campaign if this issue is left unchecked.' He described VM2026 as an opportunity to reintroduce Malaysia as a premier, safe and sustainable tourist destination. 'However, one bad experience from a tourist using such an unlicensed service could jeopardise the whole campaign,' he said. Sri Ganesh said unlicensed entities operating outside of any legal framework, and not subject to safety inspections were of concern as this undermines licensed operators who follow local laws.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Mainstream media remains vital for tourism promotion, say industry leaders
KUANTAN: Mainstream media continues to play a pivotal role in promoting Malaysia's tourism sector by effectively reaching diverse audience demographics, according to Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Nigel Wong. He noted that while digital platforms and social media have become dominant tools in tourism marketing, the role of traditional media including television, radio and print should not be underestimated, particularly in engaging older demographics and the business sector. 'Social media and mainstream media cater to different audiences, making them complementary when promoting various aspects of tourism to distinct demographic groups,' he told Bernama. Wong emphasised mainstream media's role as a foundational pillar for long-term tourism success, particularly in highlighting initiatives, programmes and products. Echoing Wong's views, Malaysian Association of Hotels Pahang Chapter chairman Charles B Peter said mainstream media remained relevant due to its engaging content, credible information and adherence to journalistic standards. 'We know that social media is very active nowadays, but mainstream media retains the unique advantage of providing accurate, accountable information. 'I believe that before airing any programme, mainstream media undergo proper editing, and the quality of its presentation remains more engaging compared to social media,' he said. Charles pointed out that the media's tourism role extends beyond destination promotion, serving as a platform to address industry concerns including infrastructure development, safety improvements and accessibility to national landmarks. Meanwhile, he called for enhanced collaboration between media agencies, local authorities (PBT) and tourism associations to showcase hidden-gem destinations while preserving their cultural heritage. 'I propose coordinated media familiarisation trips with tourism associations to identify and develop potential attractions,' he said, suggesting that this approach would better highlight regional history and local culture. Recognising the media's role and contributions to the nation's development, National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) is celebrated annually on May 29, and this year, the main event for the celebration will take place on June 14 at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTC KL) and will be opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Themed 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics', more than 1,000 media practitioners, locals and from abroad, are expected to attend the event organised by the Communications Ministry with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Mainstream media remains vital for tourism promotion
KUANTAN: Mainstream media continues to play a pivotal role in promoting Malaysia's tourism sector by effectively reaching diverse audience demographics, according to Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Nigel Wong. He noted that while digital platforms and social media have become dominant tools in tourism marketing, the role of traditional media including television, radio and print should not be underestimated, particularly in engaging older demographics and the business sector. 'Social media and mainstream media cater to different audiences, making them complementary when promoting various aspects of tourism to distinct demographic groups,' he told Bernama. Wong emphasised mainstream media's role as a foundational pillar for long-term tourism success, particularly in highlighting initiatives, programmes and products. Echoing Wong's views, Malaysian Association of Hotels Pahang Chapter chairman Charles B Peter said mainstream media remained relevant due to its engaging content, credible information and adherence to journalistic standards. 'We know that social media is very active nowadays, but mainstream media retains the unique advantage of providing accurate, accountable information. 'I believe that before airing any programme, mainstream media undergo proper editing, and the quality of its presentation remains more engaging compared to social media,' he said. Charles pointed out that the media's tourism role extends beyond destination promotion, serving as a platform to address industry concerns including infrastructure development, safety improvements and accessibility to national landmarks. Meanwhile, he called for enhanced collaboration between media agencies, local authorities (PBT) and tourism associations to showcase hidden-gem destinations while preserving their cultural heritage. 'I propose coordinated media familiarisation trips with tourism associations to identify and develop potential attractions,' he said, suggesting that this approach would better highlight regional history and local culture. Recognising the media's role and contributions to the nation's development, National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) is celebrated annually on May 29, and this year, the main event for the celebration will take place on June 14 at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTC KL) and will be opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Themed 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics', more than 1,000 media practitioners, locals and from abroad, are expected to attend the event organised by the Communications Ministry with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency.
The Star
09-06-2025
- The Star
Pulau Upeh must be promoted as a turtle sanctuary, says MATTA
MELAKA: Pulau Upeh should be actively promoted as a hawksbill turtle sanctuary, says the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA). On the island off Melaka, state MATTA chapter president Goh Hock Gin said that he is concerned that the island has been neglected, despite being the largest nesting site in the region for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. "There were previous plans by the state government to attract tourists and to designate the island as a turtle sanctuary. "I believe stakeholders can do more to protect the hawksbill turtles and assist tourism players in diversifying the products and experiences offered to visitors," he said in an interview on Monday (June 9). Goh also voiced his disappointment after attending a beach clean-up programme at Pulau Upeh in conjunction with World Ocean Day 2025 on Sunday (June 8). "The island is filled with rubbish, which hampers efforts to achieve a high rate of hatching," he said. Goh urged the state government to commission a study to assess the impact of climate change and coastal reclamation on the turtle population. The beach clean-up was organised by local NGOs, including the Sungai Project, Sail and Science, and Save Our Shores Melaka (SOS). Around 60 volunteers participated, collecting more than 900 kilograms of rubbish. This included 410 kg of plastic bottles, styrofoam, discarded clothing, mixed plastic waste, and construction debris. Marine biologist and Sungai Project founder Maria Marcos highlighted the difficulties faced by hatchlings when nesting areas are polluted. "Nesting season typically runs from May to September, and Pulau Upeh remains one of the last strongholds for female hawksbill turtles to lay their eggs. "However, a polluted beach not only discourages nesting females but can also lead to the failure of entire nests due to fungus, toxins, or predators such as monitor lizards," she said. Meanwhile, Director of Sail and Science Frits van Walsem said the clean-up initiative aimed to give these turtles a better chance to nest successfully. "This is just the beginning of our initiative. We intend to engage with the relevant authorities and support them in ongoing turtle conservation efforts," he added.
