Kuala lumpur: Malaysia’s tourism offerings need to be continually refreshed and made appealing to international travelers to maintain the country’s competitive edge in the global travel market, stated Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the minister emphasized that many international travel agents remain unaware of Malaysia’s abundant natural attractions like waterfalls, rainforests, and cultural heritage. Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, speaking at the Global Travel Meet (GTM) 2025 gala dinner and the launch of the Tourism Malaysia Calendar of Event (COE) 2026, highlighted the importance of showcasing new experiences rather than recycling the same destinations promoted in the past decade.
He called on industry players-including airlines, hotels, and travel agents-to enhance Malaysia’s appeal by improving services and diversifying products. The minister also addressed feedback from tourists desiring more vibrant nightlife and entertainment options, assuring that the ministry would work towards developing a more lively, family-friendly, and well-regulated entertainment environment.
Further, he emphasized the importance of tourists enjoying Malaysia safely and transparently while supporting local businesses. Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing also expressed the government’s commitment to bolstering two-way tourism traffic, noting that Malaysia should not only draw inbound visitors but also provide opportunities for Malaysians to explore international destinations.
He hinted at plans for next year that may allow international travel agents to promote their countries in Malaysia, enabling Malaysians to experience reciprocal engagement. The inaugural GTM 2025, organized by Tourism Malaysia, gathered 400 local tourism industry players, 600 international buyers, and 100 foreign media representatives, marking a milestone in Malaysia’s tourism promotion efforts ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Despite some challenges, it was the first large-scale international travel trade event organized by Tourism Malaysia.