PUTRAJAYA: The government will segmentise the tourism sector from this year to attract more quality tourists with higher incomes in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the tourism sector will be divided into established markets and emerging markets.
"We do this as the programme must begin now and next year will be its implementation as in 2026, we will receive tourists according to the target groups set.
"I'm convinced with the involvement of the private sector, tourism operators in all fields can support all Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry programmes to attract tourists," he told the media after chairing the engagement session with tourism industry players in conjunction with VM2026 here today.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Cabinet Tourism Development Committee chairman, said that the government is targeting quality tourists with high incomes as it will indirectly help the national economy.
"We appreciate tourists from China, India and Indonesia but based on efforts I would say it's important we bring in high-end inbound tourists, not only in terms of volume but how much foreign exchange we can obtain from these tourists, which will help develop our national economy," he said.
Ahmad Zahid also shared that the government is reviewing the Tourism Industry Act 1992 so that it is in line with the current tourism market and fulfils the needs of VM2026.
"We have discussed it and the review has begun. We will customise it with the present tourism market situation and at least for the next 20 years to come before changes (amendments) are made (to the Act again)," he said, adding that the target for tourists for VM2026 remained at 35.6 million visitors.