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Malaysia Pavilion, Seoul International Travel Fair 2023 -
Crowd at Malaysia Pavilion, Seoul International Travel Fair 2023. -
Malaysia Delegation During The Launching of Seoul International Travel Fair 2023. -
Malaysia Pavilion, Seoul International Travel Fair 2023 Lead by Tourism Malaysia Seoul Office. -
Malaysia Delegation during Tourism Malaysia Networking Session in Bahrain. -
Media interaction by H.E. Shazryll Zahiran, Ambassador Malaysia in Bahrain, Mr. Manoharan, Senior Director ASAF and Madam Rosnah Mustafar, Director TM Dubai. -
H.E. Shazryll Zahiran, Ambassador of Malaysia in Bahrain during Tourism Malaysia Networking Session. -
Mr. Manoharan Periasamy, Senior Director of International Promotion (ASAF) Division, Tourism Malaysia. -
Business Session -
Business Session
Tourism Malaysia also spearheaded a tourism sales mission to Bahrain and Kuwait.
SEOUL – Tourism Malaysia participated in the 38th Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF) 2023 to promote Malaysia as one of the most exciting destinations and culturally diverse in the Asia Pacific at this largest international travel fair in Korea.
Held at COEX Hall C, Seoul, from 4 to 7 May, the Malaysia Pavilion highlighted its unique ecotourism destinations and community-based tourism, including Sabah and Sarawak – also known as the Malaysian Borneo, which might potentially be of high interest to the Korean market, besides attracting visitors and exhibitors from around the world.
Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, said: “In anticipation of Visit Malaysia Year 2025, SITF 2023 serves as an excellent platform to showcase Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural scenery, and modern amenities that cater to all types of travellers, especially to the Korean market. From breathtaking mountains and beaches to vibrant cities and delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone.”
Apart from networking sessions with tour operators and Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) agents, Batik Air, a Malaysian-based regional airline, also ran a promotion at the Malaysia Pavilion in conjunction with its upcoming daily flight from Incheon to Kuala Lumpur starting 24 June 2023.
Malaysia has surpassed its initial target of attracting 9.2 million international tourists since the reopening of its international borders in 2022 by recording a number of 10,070,964 arrivals with RM28.2 billion (USD 6.4 billion) in tourism receipts. Malaysia welcomed 146,384 tourist arrivals from South Korea in 2022 compared to 673,065 in 2019.
With enhanced air connectivity and robust promotional efforts, Tourism Malaysia is optimistic about achieving its targets to woo 16.1 million international tourist arrivals and RM49.2 billion (USD 11.1 billion) in tourism receipts this year.
Tourism Malaysia’s post ATM 2023 Sales Mission to Bahrain and Kuwait
Tourism Malaysia also spearheaded a tourism sales mission to Bahrain and Kuwait to capitalize on the continuing growth of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries outbound sector from 7th to 9th May 2023. The delegation led by Mr Manoharan Periasamy, Senior Director of International Promotion Division (Asia/Africa), Tourism Malaysia, visited Manama and Kuwait City to promote Malaysia as a top-of-the-mind tourist destination region.
The objectives of the sales mission were to strengthen Malaysia’s presence in the market, particularly to develop and promote Malaysia as a preferred holiday destination to GCC tourists and update the travel trade industry about new tourism products, packages, and attractions.
The Malaysian delegation comprised 14 organizations, a good mix of hotels and resorts, travel agents, associations, and representatives from state tourism boards. For the participants from the Malaysian private sector in the mission, it is an ideal platform to enhance networking with their GCC counterparts.
A travel mart was also scheduled for the group to network, discuss potential partnerships and develop travel packages with Malaysian sellers. Tourism presentations and media conferences will be held for the tourism and media community in each city to be visited. The scheduled events culminated in networking dinners as a platform to enhance their relationship with the respective GCC counterparts.
Among other sales mission activities included meetings with the Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, top travel agents, courtesy call to High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bahrain and Kuwait, and appointments with key Bahrain and Kuwait tourism industry players.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
