JOHOR BARU: Tourism Malaysia is stepping up efforts to attract Singaporean tourists by connecting travel agents from both sides of the Causeway through business-to-business (B2B) sessions.
Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (promotions II) Lee Thai Hung said the business matching was held in conjunction with the three-day Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia (SKCCM) at Paradigm Mall Convention Centre here.
"The event serves as a platform for industry players from both countries to collaborate and develop new tour packages," he said at a press conference after officiating the event on Saturday (Nov 8).
Lee said the B2B segment was an important part of efforts to promote Malaysia's diverse destinations, cuisines and cultures as Johor is the key gateway for tourists entering the country by land from Singapore.
"In the past, we mainly focussed on promoting destinations but now we also highlight traditional food and local travel agents to show Malaysia's diversity," said Lee.
He added that previous sessions had already yielded results, with many Singaporean players impressed by lesser-known Malaysian destinations.
"Many Singapore industry players are discovering new destinations beyond the conventional ones they know," he said.
After the event, Lee, accompanied by SMG chief operating officer Lydia Wang Chen Choo toured the booths to speak to tourism players and sampled some local food and beverages.
The SKCCM event in Johor is being held from Friday to Sunday (Nov 7-9), jointly organised by Tourism Malaysia and SMG.
It aims to promote domestic travel and celebrate Malaysia's cultural diversity through interactive experiences, heritage food, performances and exclusive travel deals.
Visitors can explore about 70 booths by travel agencies, hotels, resorts, theme parks, tourist attractions, homestay operators as well as local craft and food product vendors.
