Q&A time: Ahmad Zahid speaking during a press conference at Parliament. With him are Tiong (left) and Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aims to attract 1.6 million tourists and generate RM100mil in revenue for homestay programmes this year, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said his ministry will be working with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and its agency Tourism Malaysia to provide training programmes for homestay operators to enhance their services.
“Among the target of tourists for the homestay sector would be international exchange students, especially those from Asean countries.
“By participating in homestay programmes, tourists would be able to learn about local experience and lifestyle,” he said after chairing the coordination committee on homestay programmes in Parliament yesterday.
Also present were Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing and stakeholders.
Ahmad Zahid said the coordinating committee would also address any issues faced by homestay operators, which included infrastructure and basic facilities.
“We realised that there have been some issues on basic infrastructure and facilities at some homestays.
“The committee will help in addressing the issues and provide the necessary facilities,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid said last year, about 830,000 tourists had participated in homestay programmes, generating RM54mil in revenue.
Ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, he said more promotions will be done for the programmes as the country is also targeting tourists to visit rural areas.