LETTERS: THERE is excitement in the air as Malaysia kicks off Visit Malaysia Year 2020 (VMY2020). There is much enthusiasm and hope that the country will gain a record-breaking number of tourists this year and gain much needed revenue.
Tourism is a component of the economy and we must make it a vibrant sector.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry needs to be the prime mover to ensure the success of VMY2020.
As one who has been in the travel and tour business for more than 20 years, I have listed suggestions for the success of VMY2020.
PROVIDE pamphlets, brochures and flyers to tourists coming to Malaysia. This should contain write-ups about tourist attractions.
VMY2020 billboards, posters, buntings, banners should be placed in airports, highways, walkways and other venues that will catch the attention of local and foreign tourists.
More VM2020 advertisements must be featured in the domestic and foreign print and electronic media for maximum reach and response;
MORE tourist police and other security personnel must be stationed in areas frequented by tourists. Complaint centres should be put up near tourist attractions.
Tourists are vulnerable to snatch theft, over-charging, cheating and other crimes that damage the country’s image.
Ticket prices and other charges should not be hiked to take advantage of VMY2020. Complaints should be resolved speedily to win the confidence of tourists, who may be in the country for a few days only;
PROMOTIONS for air fares, hotel, tour packages, domestic transport, food festivals, cultural shows and open houses should be publicised nationwide.
Malaysia’s diversity should be displayed during VMY2020. VMY2020’s slogan — “Visit Truly Asia Malaysia” — should be made a reality for the world to see;
STATE governments need to have programmes to boost the effect and reach of VMY2020 in their states.
This is the time for state governments to rope in districts and local authorities for greater participation.
Travel agents and tour operators in the districts, who have better knowledge of district tourist sites, can be brought in by the state government to help out;
LOCAL authorities should be directed to spruce up and maintain tourist attractions.
Cleanliness should be a priority. Stricter checks on vans, boats and buses ferrying tourists must be made to prevent mishaps;
SHOPPING and culinary promotions need to be highlighted as tourists from China, the Middle East and India are keen on shopping and eating local food.
Festivals — like Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Thaipusam, Christmas, Deepavali as well as Gawai and Kaamatan harvest festivals — should be highlighted;
FOCUS more on South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the United States, East Asia and Asean where Malaysia has maximum exposure and tourists will be tempted to visit Malaysia during VMY2020.
The ringgit exchange rate to the US dollar will tempt tourists to visit the country;
DOMESTIC tourism should not be ignored and new promotions and programmes should be highlighted, especially for long weekends.
Promote all tourism sectors — such as eco-tourism, agro-tourism and medical tourism — using the publicity of VMY2020. It is also a good time to promote Malaysia as a convention and meeting centre; and,
MALAYSIANS must be helpful and courteous to tourists as a smile goes a long way in drawing tourists.
MARY GEORGE
Banting, Selangor
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times