Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled the funding for tourism and culture when tabling Budget 2027 on Oct. 9, following the decision to extend the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) campaign through 2027, Malay Mail reported.
Anwar said the funding included grants to help industry players promote and organize tourism events.
The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) said the funding, alongside the extension of the Visit Malaysia Year campaign to 2027, demonstrated the government’s commitment to developing the sector through stronger promotions, infrastructure upgrades, improved international air connectivity and support for major events, The Malaysian Reserve reported.
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Hindu devotees climb the colored stairs to pray at the Batu Caves temple during Deepavali in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Nov 4, 2021. Photo by AP |
However, MATTA president Nigel Wong said the focus should now be on ensuring that the allocation translates into practical benefits for tourism businesses.
Stephane Thong, general manager of Trip.com Malaysia, said the platform welcomed the allocation for tourism and culture, particularly the planned investment in new direct flight routes, grants for industry players to promote and organize tourism events, and improvements to tourism facilities nationwide, The Star newspaper reported.
He said these measures would improve Malaysia’s accessibility and give travelers more incentives to visit the country.
Malaysia welcomed 28.8 million international visitors between January and August this year, marking a 1.8% increase year on year and keeping the country ahead of its Southeast Asian neighbors as the region’s most visited destination.
Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director-General (Promotion) Mohd Akbal Setia said the figures reflected Malaysia’s enduring appeal among international travelers and highlighted the need to deepen partnerships with tourism markets worldwide, The Sun Malaysia reported.