By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 6: Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Dato Seri Tiong King Sing, is open to feedback and ideas on how to strengthen Malaysia’s presence in Saudi Arabia to boost the number of visitors from the country.
In a Facebook post, Tiong shared that last year, Malaysia recorded a total of 68,382 tourist arrivals from Saudi Arabia. He also expressed hope that they could surpass the number this year.
“I must also humbly acknowledge that our promotional efforts in recent years have not been as vigorous as they should have been. On behalf of the government, I extend my heartfelt apologies and ask for your kind understanding.
“I warmly welcome any suggestions or ideas you may have. Please do not hesitate to share them with me. I am open to feedback and committed to making meaningful improvements,” he said.
He went on to say that Saudi Arabia is an essential player in the global tourism market, and he firmly believes it holds tremendous potential for Malaysia.
“Our harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, combined with the warmth and hospitality of our people, makes Malaysia an especially appealing destination for Saudi travellers.
“Throughout this visit, we have engaged in fruitful dialogue with local industry players, exchanging insights and exploring avenues for collaboration. Our goal is to enhance the travel experience of Saudi visitors in Malaysia, forge long-term partnerships, and foster mutual growth within our respective tourism sectors.”
He made these remarks following his recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where he held separate meetings with Al Faris International Travel & Tourism and Sharaf Travel to discuss ways to promote and enhance Malaysia’s presence in the Saudi Arabian market.
In a strategic move to capture a larger share of the Middle East’s high-value travel market, he said Malaysia is making efforts to strengthen its presence in Saudi Arabia by hoping to secure daily flights operated by Batik Air or the deployment of larger aircraft.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman, said this would enable the development of more extended travel packages, allowing visitors to explore Malaysia fully.
“Mohieddin Hammouda, general manager of Al Faris International Travel & Tourism, noted that digital marketing, competitive pricing, and quality—along with key ties to local operators—are key to ensuring that tourism packages reach the widest possible target audience.
“Marketing manager Abdul Hadi Al Mazgagy added that the company employs around 180 staff and has established its own marketing team. Its social media platforms currently boast over 20,000 followers, giving it a notable edge in market outreach,” he said.
Tiong added that Sharaf Travel, established in 1991, has maintained long-standing and stable partnerships with 26 airlines worldwide.
“The company serves as the general sales agent (GSA) for several carriers, including All Nippon Airways (ANA), Delta Air Lines, Finnair, Garuda Indonesia, South African Airways, and SriLankan Airlines. Sharaf Travel is also the GSA for Batik Air in the United Arab Emirates.”
Meanwhile, he said the hosting of ‘Malaysia Night’ in the country was not only an opportunity to showcase Malaysia’s rich multiculturalism, but also a valuable platform to foster mutual understanding and promote mutually beneficial cooperation.
“Malaysia is a vibrant nation, blessed with a wealth of cultural traditions and natural beauty. I am truly eager to share all that we have to offer with our friends in Saudi Arabia.”
At the same time, he also touched on ‘Malaysian Food and Cultural Promotion Week’ and ‘Malaysia Cultural Week 2025’ to be held in Saudi Arabia.
“I warmly invite our friends from Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region to visit Malaysia to explore our heritage, experience the charm of our historic cities like Melaka, and immerse themselves in the spirit of our nation. I believe that through deeper exchanges, we can elevate the cultural and natural tourism offerings of both our countries,” he said.
