Malaysia targets 2.19 mln Thai tourists this year

By Linda Khoo

BANGKOK, May 8 (Bernama) – Malaysia is to roll out various tourism packages and campaigns in a bid to draw 2.19 million Thai tourists to its shores this year.

Deputy chief of mission at the Malaysian Embassy in Bangkok, Suzilah Mohd Sidek said Tourism Malaysia Thailand in collaboration with industry players would be unveiling more tourism products to meet the demand of Thai tourists.

She said more networking sessions with stakeholders would be held to forge closer tourism ties between Malaysia and Thailand.

“Thailand is ranked fourth in our top 10 tourist-generating markets for Malaysia.  Last year, we received about 1.9 million Thai tourists, an increase of 4.3 per cent over the figure in 2017.

“This year, Malaysia is looking at potential market segments including family, adventure, and leisure and shopping for Thai tourists,” she told Bernama.

The Malaysia Tourism Products Engagement Programme was held recently to promote the country’s tourism destinations.

Also present were representatives of Malaysia Airlines, Genting Malaysia Berhad, Sunway Lost World of Tambun, Sunway Lagoon, Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa, and Langkawi Thai Village Holidays Sdn Bhd to unveil the latest tourism products and packages to position Malaysia as one of the favourite destinations for Thais.

Meanwhile, deputy director of Tourism Malaysia (Bangkok), Mazreena Mohd Yusof said Tourism Malaysia Bangkok had been working on extending channels to encourage both Free Independent Traveller and Group Inclusive Tour for Thai tourists to visit Malaysia.

“We have collaborated and created a mechanism with various partners in different clusters such as airlines, banks, agents, entertainment and shopping malls to tap into the Thai tourist market,” she said.

-- BERNAMA