TOURISM MALAYSIA RETURNS TO THE ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET FOR THE 29TH YEAR

KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia has marked its 29th year of participation at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, a testimony to the country’s support and its commitment to attracting more Middle Eastern tourists to Malaysia.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan is leading the Malaysian delegation at the ATM from May 1 to 4 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Tourism Malaysia in a statement today said the four-day event offered an excellent platform to market and promote the latest tourist attractions and destinations for shopping, family fun, eco-adventure, honeymoon, luxury holidays as well as safe travel destinations.

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"As in previous years, this prestigious annual event sees the participation of a Malaysian delegation from 76 organisations comprising hotels and resorts, travel agents, tourism product owners, and representatives from various state governments," the statement read.

According to the statement, the mission aims to reinstate and enhance the commitment to establishing good tourism cooperation, engaging in future collaborations, and cooperation with the travel and tourism industry in the region.

At the launch of ATM, Khairul Firdaus said that the event was in line with the goal for Visit Malaysia 2025, where Tourism Malaysia would strive to attract more tourists from the Middle East and was confident of making Malaysia the top destination for Muslim travellers.

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During the event, the Malaysian delegation is scheduled to meet up with the top management of a few Middle Eastern airlines to discuss future collaborations, besides having several interviews with the local media.

The statement added that Khairul Firdaus would also witness the signing of two memorandums of collaboration (MOC), namely between Tourism Malaysia and Saudia Airlines as well as Air Arabia on May 2 and 3, respectively.

“This MOC will benefit the Malaysian economy and strengthen economic ties through the tourism industry between Malaysia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates," said the statement.

At the same time, Khairul Firdaus will host the ‘Malaysia Nite Gala Dinner’ on May 2 to thank the tourism fraternity in Dubai and the local media for their support and assistance in promoting Malaysia.

According to the statement, Malaysia recorded a total of 10.07 million tourist arrivals and RM28.2 billion in tourist receipts in 2022, surpassing its initial target of 9.2 million international tourist arrivals since the full reopening of international borders.

"In 2023, Malaysia is targeting to welcome 16.1 million international tourist arrivals (300,000 tourists from West Asia) and generate RM49.2 billion in tourist receipts," it added.

In 2022, Malaysia recorded 88,534 tourist arrivals from the Middle East.

-- BERNAMA