KUALA LUMPUR: Budget 2027 should provide stronger incentives for tourism operators, greater investment in infrastructure and a bigger promotional allocation to support Visit Malaysia 2027.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Nigel Wong said better tax incentives, particularly tax deductions for tour operators, would encourage them to step up promotional efforts overseas.
“In general, what we are looking for in the Budget is better incentives for tour operators in the form of tax deductions, especially in line with Visit Malaysia 2026-2027.
“So this is going to encourage more tour operators to increase their promotional efforts overseas,” he said when met after a press conference on the MATTA fair and its official bank partnership on Wednesday (Aug 26).
According to the Parliament website, the Supply Bill (Budget) 2027 is scheduled to be tabled by the Finance Minister on Oct 9.
Wong said the association was also seeking greater government investment in tourism businesses, particularly to upgrade infrastructure and refurbish existing tourism attractions.
He cited the upgrading of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur as an example of how investment in heritage sites could enhance their appeal to visitors.
Wong also called for a “whole-of-tourism” approach involving municipal councils, saying local authorities should place greater emphasis on making cities and urban areas more walkable and safe.
“We have a lot of natural heritage buildings here, historical buildings. They should also be given a bit of a facelift and upgrade.
“This will also help the overall image of the country. But for tourism directly, an increased budget in terms of promotional budget as well, to better support the 2027 Visit Malaysia initiative,” he said.
