Athul LalDubai: Dubbed ‘Visit Malaysia 2020’, Malaysia has unveiled an ambitious campaign to attract over 36 million tourists and rake in tourism receipts of RM168 billion by 2020. The campaign was officially launched by Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, Director-General, Tourism Malaysia, at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2018 by unveiling the campaign’s logo which portrays Malaysia’s treasured flora and fauna.
“The objective of the campaign is to promote Malaysia as a top-of-mind destination, thus adopting the tagline ‘Travel, Enjoy and Respect’ in line with the World Tourism Organisation’s campaign to raise awareness on how tourists can become catalysts for sustainable development and responsible tourism,” said the Director-General.
“The tagline is also highlighted in the Visit Malaysia 2020 logo and supports Malaysia’s own conservation policies outlined in the National Eco-Tourism Plan 2016-2025,” he said. As part of the campaign, Tourism Malaysia intends to collaborate with leaders in the airline industry like Emirates, Etihad Airways and Mahan Air to boost arrivals from the Middle East.
In 2017, tourist arrivals to Malaysia were pegged at 25.9 million, a dip by 3 per cent. However, tourism receipts increased 0.1 per cent to touch RM82.16 billion.
“The West Asia market has always been very important to us. Last year, we received 2,51,957 tourists from this region, a drop of 12.3 per cent compared to 2,87,398 in 2016. Therefore, the Malaysian travel trade players have doubled the efforts this year to attract more tourists from this region. West Asia is a huge market, not only in terms of outbound tourism but also with regard to trade and investment. Therefore, the Malaysian Government continues to place strong emphasis and focus on this market,” he said.
In terms of tourism infrastructure, Malaysia will see investments from international brands such as Four Seasons with almost 270 residences by 2018; Movenpick with a 270-room resort and spa, W Hotels by Starwood opening early this year with 150 rooms, and DoubleTree by Hilton in 2019 with 300 rooms and 11,000 sq. ft. of event space.
Tourism Malaysia has rolled out a joint promotional campaign with Dnata Travel in April to promote ‘Summer Getaway’ packages to Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Melaka, Penang and Pahang. The campaign will conclude in October. The packages promote Malaysia’s family-friendly attractions, beach resorts and adventure and wildlife experiences.
New Attraction in Malaysia
A premium integrated destination resort, Desaru Coast is one of Malaysia’s most anticipated tourism hubs, creating a unique blend of globally renowned hotels and resorts, conference centre, 27-hole and 18-hole golf courses, themed water park and retail village. The destination is expected to become fully operational by June 2018.
Located in the south-eastern region of the country, in the state of Johor, Desaru Coast spans over 3900 acres along a pristine 17 km unspoiled beachfront. “It will provide the perfect escape for discerning leisure travellers. The destination is easily accessible via road, air and sea, and is expected to welcome a wave of new travellers to its shores as it offers an array of fun activities, renowned hotel brands and the unique Desaru Coast lifestyle,” he said.
Highlights of Desaru Coast
The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas, The Els Club Desaru Coast-Ocean Course (27-hole Golf Course), The Els Club Desaru Coast-Valley Course (17-hole Golf Course), The Els Performance Golf Academy, Desaru Coast Riverside, Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, Desaru Coast Conference Centre and Course Residences.
