KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit has called for creativity and innovation among industry players, saying attractive tour packages and efficient service are keys to ensuring a vibrant growth in the industry.

‘GO SARAWAK’: Dawos (second left) showing the ‘Go Sarawak’ posters during his visit to the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) exhibition booth after launching Matta Fair 2011 at PWTC. Matta president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun is at second right. — Bernama photo

He said they should also continue to work hard to ensure satisfaction among their clients.

“Create new attractions, offer competitive prices or discounts every year, treat them nicely and be sincere in dealing with them,” he told reporters after opening the 31st Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents Fair (Matta Fair 2011) at Putra World Trade Centre, here yesterday.

Dawos said it was important for the industry to continue growing in line with the ministry’s target of attracting 36 million tourists, bringing RM168 billion in tourism receipts, by 2020.

The industry, he said, was the second biggest contributor to the country’s economy, with a turnover of RM56.5 billion last year.

He said the ministry had implemented numerous initiatives to identify potential markets by introducing places of attraction in Malaysia under the tagline ‘Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)’ and ‘Malaysia Truly Asia’.

Dawos also said that the Malaysian tourism industry was not affected by the turmoil in several Middle East countries.

In fact, he said, many of the people in the crisis-hit countries came to Malaysia to avoid being dragged along in the uprising.

Last year, Malaysia recorded 116,252 arrivals from United Arab Emirates compared to 101,664 in 2009, followed by 86,771 from Saudi Arabia, an increase compared to 77,082 in 2009, he said, adding that Arab tourists spent an average of RM7,000 each during their visits to Malaysia.

Present were Matta president Datuk Mohd Khalid Harun and his deputy John Tan.

The three-day Matta Fair 2011 from yesterday, targets 80,000 visitors and RM100 million in sales. — Bernama

| More...