Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board marketing manager Sao Ratha has a herculean task ahead of her in the coming months.
She has been tasked to promote Malaysia extensively to the increasing globe-trotting Cambodians and to encourage many to go for a vacation to the touristic destination not far from the Kingdom.
It is “Visit Malaysia 2020” and her target is to send more than 100, 000 Cambodian holiday-makers to Malaysian shores, at least.
Ratha is upbeat as recent tourist numbers to Malaysia seems encouraging. By end of this year, she is confident Malaysia will receive about 100,000 Cambodian tourists and 43,221 have visited in the first five months this year.
Ideally located in Asean, with good connectivity plus exciting tourism products catering for diverse holiday-makers, from individuals, groups to family, Malaysia has emerged a major tourist attraction for regional and global tourists.
“Malaysia has become one of the regular destinations, along with Thailand and Vietnam, for Cambodian tourists. Factors contributing to this positive development include the short distance between the two countries, it only takes about two-hour by flight.
“Both Malaysia and Cambodia are committed to promote two-way tourism. Among the advantages of this are our similarities such as the weather, time zone and wide array of halal food for our Muslim visitors. In addition, the short travel distance and no-visa requirements for 30 days makes both countries convenient and ideal short and long stay destinations,” said Ratha.
But there are more in store, she adds, for next year as Malaysia is having big plans to woo about 30 million.
“For next year, many programs will be designed to attract more tourist to Malaysia, to reach the target of 30 million tourist arrivals. Many new products will be designed with the specific need of Cambodian tourist such as shopping destination for branded items, beach, golf, healthcare, business.
“For the Cambodian market we will do a launching of Visit Malaysia 2020 logo during the Cambodia Travel Mart on October 11-13, 2019 and at the same time, we will distribute car stickers, [host] quiz, and more activities in cooperate with travel agents and the media,” said Ratha.
Ratha is enthusiastic about Visit Malaysia 2020 as well and the tourism board is busy preparing to ensure it will be exciting and memorable for visiting guests.
“There will be many new and exciting products and services during their stay, at very competitive prices. To promote this, we plan to hold a Mega Fam [familiarisation] trip for our Cambodian media friends, bloggers, celebrities, and those in the travel industry.
“We are very excited to showcase Malaysia, including its diversity and variety of culture, people, cuisine, flora and fauna, and of course, Malaysia’s friendly and welcoming people,” added Ratha.
