Malaysia seeks to recruit tourist sector participants in the global market

According to Tourism Malaysia, Malaysia hopes to market the country as a safe holiday destination at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2021, which opened on Tuesday (Nov 2), after nearly two years of global travel restrictions.

It said in a statement that at WTM 2021, tourism industry players from all over the world will get the most up-to-date information on visiting Malaysia, including the first international tourism bubble to Langkawi for fully-vaccinated international tourists who don't need to go through quarantine starting Nov 15.

"Tourism Malaysia feels that WTM is an important platform for introducing Malaysia's new and upcoming tourism attractions to the UK and European markets," the statement continued.

Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Zainuddin Abdul Wahab (pic) is optimistic that the agency would be able to reconnect with its partners and build new ties this year, which marks Tourism Malaysia's 40th year in WTM.

"We (Tourism Malaysia) continue to use WTM as an important platform to promote Malaysia's wide tourism portfolio and to introduce new and forthcoming attractions that we believe would appeal to the European market," he said.

Zakri Jaafar, Malaysia's High Commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom, said that through this event, Malaysia hopes to re-establish trust among international travel firms in order to promote and sell the country's tourism attractions.

"Through our participation, tourism industry participants from all around the world will be able to acquire the most up-to-date information on travelling to Malaysia," he said.

WTM 2021 will host a physical meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday at ExCel London, followed by a virtual gathering on November 8 and 9 via the WTM London virtual platform, according to the announcement.

Tourism Malaysia will be joined on the stand by Pahang partners as well as officials from Malaysia Airlines and Berjaya Hotels from the private sector.

"A total of ten organisations, including four tour operators, two state tourism boards, three hotels and resorts, and one product owner, will virtually participate in the event," Tourism Malaysia said.