Re-opening cautious but safe

Razaidi Abd Rahim, Director, Tourism Malaysia, South India & Sri Lanka, says they have a number of campaigns in the pipeline as they look to convince the India travel trade to encourage their clients to the destination.

Nisha Verma

With Indian tourist arrivals to Malaysia dropping by 78.8 per cent in 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 owing to the pandemic, Razaidi Abd Rahim says that they had to focus on designing a sustainable business plan. “We had to rebuild the entire strategy and to ensure that we are ready once borders open and attract people to Malaysia, making them feel it is a safe destination. For this to happen, we have been in touch with our partners in South India and Sri Lanka,” he shares.

But, Tourism Malaysia will approach recovery in a gradual manner. Abd Rahim adds, “Awareness, safety measures, value-added packages, strategising with our airline partners and agents will be key. We also have the support of travel associations like TAAI, TAFI, SIGTOA and other national-level associations to ensure complete support and participation of airlines like Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Malindo Air to build on our strengths and enhance Malaysia as the preferred destination for travel.”

He also shares that the NTO has around 12 campaigns in the pipeline for travel partners. “At a pan-India level,” Abd Rahim says, “we have been planning a promotional campaign with select travel partners and airlines for special incentive schemes targeting leisure, educational tourism, M!CE and filming. Hybrid activities will continue, perhaps in the second half of the year or as and when border opens. The roadshows will involve MTEX and cover major regions of interest in South India. We will be working closely on shopping, diving and weddings in Malaysia as part of the promotional campaign.” The country, however, will be cautious in opening borders to avoid another possible lockdown.