Kuala lumpur: Tourism demand in ASEAN countries remains strong amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions, according to Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man. He noted that this underscores the enduring desire to travel as well as the industry's ability to adapt to shifting preferences and changing circumstances, including the continued interest of travelers in exploring destinations locally or abroad, particularly within ASEAN.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chiew emphasized the government's ongoing commitment to supporting the country's tourism ecosystem through policies and initiatives that encourage digital adoption and sustainable tourism practices. He made these remarks at the prospectus launch of outbound travel experience curator Golden Destinations Group Bhd on Thursday. Chiew stated that the government will maintain its focus on policy support while advocating for digitally efficient and sustainable practices in the tourism industry.
Chiew further observed that recent geopolitical developments have introduced new uncertainties, testing the resilience of the tourism sector once again. However, he pointed out that the global travel landscape has been performing exceptionally well. Despite facing unprecedented disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and more recent geopolitical uncertainties, the industry has shown remarkable resilience, particularly in Malaysia.
He highlighted that the tourism and travel sector has long been a cornerstone of Malaysia's economic identity, contributing not only directly to the gross domestic product but also by building a vast interconnected network. This network spans transportation, hospitality, and retail, supporting vibrant events and businesses. Chiew underscored the critical role of Malaysia's small and medium enterprises in this ecosystem, identifying them as the backbone of the travel revolution. He acknowledged that these businesses, including pool operators, travel agencies, and local guides, are essential in ensuring that Malaysia remains competitive on the global stage.