BUKIT KAYU HITAM: Malaysia and Thailand have launched the 'Self-Drive Tourism' initiative, a collaboration designed to boost cross-border tourism and spotlight travel routes and experiences across both countries.
Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry deputy secretary-general (Tourism) Dr Yasmeen Yasim said this initiative aims to enhance travel experiences while fostering cultural exchange.
"With timely collaboration like this, we are optimistic about achieving our target of 2.3 million tourist arrivals from Thailand by 2025.
"It reflects our shared commitment to strengthening regional ties through tourism," she said after the launch of the Malaysia-Thailand Self-Drive Tourism initiative.
Yasmeen said this partnership complements the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, targeting 35.6 million tourist arrivals.
"Through efforts like these, Malaysia is dedicated to promoting seamless cross-border tourism, enhancing regional tourism cooperation within Asean and the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), and ensuring sustainable growth for our tourism sector,"
She said this collaboration is expected to add another dimension to strengthen tourism relations between Malaysia and Thailand.
Meanwhile, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) deputy governor (International Marketing) Pattaraanong Na Chiang Mai said Thailand consistently strives to strengthen international relations through tourism.
She said the Thai government continually seeks opportunities to elevate Thailand as a global tourism destination and promote cross-border tourism with Asean neighbours, especially Malaysia.
"This collaboration is a significant moment for Thailand and Malaysia to work together in advancing the tourism industry," she said.