Malaysia and Indonesia should enhance cooperation in tourism promotion to ensure the industry remains healthy in this time of economic slowdown, Malaysian Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said.
She told about 100 industry players, associations and media here that the two countries should find ways to promote new tourism products or packages to complement each other's efforts.
"Malaysia is willing to contribute by encouraging Chinese tourists who normally visit Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand to also come to Indonesia," Ng told a dinner organised by Tourism Malaysia here last night.
She said that in Malaysia's efforts to achieve at least 22 million tourist arrivals this year and retain the industry's position as the second largest revenue earner, the country would focus on four segments targeting senior citizens, families, shoppers and divers.
On the programmes for senior citizens and pensioners, she said, Malaysia was offering huge discounts during peak season including for hotel fares, transportation, expenditure and healthy diet packages.
"For Indonesian senior citizens, Malaysia will be an attractive destination as it offers numerous attractions and is only a short flight away," she said.
On the family enrichment tourism programme, she said, it was aimed at strengthening family ties, with tour packages arranged in such a way to allow families to spend time together.
"We also encourage working children to give Malaysian holiday packages as presents for their parents," she said.
Ng said Malaysia was also offering "super smart shopper" and "super smart saving" to enable tourists to shop for international brands without having to pay high taxes.
Malaysia is also offering divers not only the country's rich marine heritage but also the opportunity to obtain diving licences which would enable them to dive in any diving site in the world.
She also expressed gratitude to Indonesian tourists, of whom 2.4 million visited Malaysia last year.
"Indonesia is a priority market for Malaysia and will continue to be featured in our tourism campaigns," she said, adding that she would also encourage Malaysians to visit Indonesia.
Ng left Jakarta today for Yogyakarta to continue her visit where she was to witness the Wesak celebrations at the Borobudur Temple and hold discussions with counterpart Jero Wacik.
Source : Bernama
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