PETALING JAYA: As travel patterns shift amid tensions in the Middle East, tourism stakeholders say Malaysia should intensify efforts in other key markets while maintaining engagement with Gulf travellers.
Malaysian Tourism Federation president Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel said the Middle East remains an important long-haul tourism market for Malaysia.
“Gulf tourists often travel with families and stay longer during the summer months.
“While it represents a niche but high-value market, Malaysia’s tourism industry is fortunately diversified across multiple regions, helping to cushion the sector from disruptions affecting any single region,” he said when contacted.
He said tourism stakeholders are also focusing on strengthening arrivals from regional and high-growth markets such as China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam in the short to medium term.
“These markets benefit from strong connectivity, shorter travel distances and growing middle- class outbound travel demand,” he said, adding that Malaysia still attracts travellers from markets including Australia, the United Kingdom and parts of Europe.
He also said domestic tourism is equally important as it remains a resilient pillar for the industry.
“Domestic travel also allows Malaysians to appreciate the diverse attractions, culture, food and natural beauty Malaysia has to offer,” he said.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents president Nigel Wong said Malaysia is fortunate to have a diversified tourism market with the highest numbers coming from among Asean countries, China and India.
Increasing enquiries have also been coming from Central Asia countries alongside Russia and Far East markets including Japan and South Korea.
At the same time, Wong said promotional strategies to other market segments should continue to ensure that Malaysia remains in their minds when thinking of possible holiday destinations.
On the Middle East market, he said 300,000 tourists travel to Malaysia annually from countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Qatar.
“They are also high-yield tourists as they stay for about 10 nights or more, with the per capita spending being about US$2,500 (RM9,830) per person.
“Obviously, there has been an impact owing to the developments there with many, including those from Europe who have to transit through these countries, being forced to change their travel plans for now,” he said.
But Wong noted that interest towards Malaysia remains high, especially among European countries.
