By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 29: Two prominent Thai-based travel agencies, Manit Travel Chiang Mai and Standard Tour Co. Ltd, have expressed interest in collaborating with Malaysia to promote tourism.
In a Facebook post, Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Dato Seri Tiong King Sing, said this followed his recent visit to Chiang Mai in Thailand where he engaged with local tourism industry professionals, including discussions with the two travel agencies to explore tourism collaboration, market expansion, and cultural exchange.
“From our talks, it was clear that Northern Thailand, especially Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, still needs more information about Malaysian tourism. Many travellers are unfamiliar with our states, cultural highlights, or attractions, so they often stick to traditional spots like Genting Highlands, casinos, and cruises.
“Moreover, with just five direct flights a week from Chiang Mai to Malaysia, the options are limited, and prices are high, making it challenging for Malaysia to boost its presence in Thailand,” he said.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman, suggested the following:
- Organise familiarisation (FAM) trips: Invite 10 representatives from Manit Travel and up to 40 from Standard Tour to experience Malaysia firsthand.
- Integrate marketing promotion resources: Encourage operators to propose a one to two-year joint promotion plan with Tourism Malaysia. This includes collaboration with airlines like AirAsia to lower ticket prices and running marketing campaigns together on themes such as snorkelling and beach holidays, culinary and Michelin gourmet tours, family and theme park itineraries, halal and Muslim-friendly travel products, and senior and educational tourism.
- Promote large-scale meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) cooperation: Encourage Standard Tour to connect with the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) to participate in the International Travel Mart at the end of the year, fostering collaboration with Malaysian tourism operators for Chinese and Thai group meetings and events.
- Educational tourism exchange: Consider co-hosting short-term English courses, summer camps, and exploratory trips during Thailand’s summer break (March to May and October), with a focus on targeting students and young people from Northern Thailand.
“Both agencies were keen on the idea and promised to promote Malaysian tourism through the Thai Travel Agents Association and Thailand.
“Northern Thailand has massive potential, and these operators are highly professional. Our partnership could significantly help bridge the gap in market awareness and attract new visitors to the area.
“I am confident that with the right resources and clear plans, Malaysia-Thailand tourism cooperation can reach new heights. We are committed to creating more win-win situations with local travel agencies.” — DayakDaily
