By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 21: Digitalisation policies and support must also reach village homestays, food stalls and handicraft businesses as the tourism industry embraces digital technologies, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia Dato Sri Tiong King Sing said.
In a Facebook post, Tiong said these small operators were an essential part of the Malaysian visitor experience but often lacked the funding, technical capacity and manpower available to larger hotels.
“They are an essential part of the Malaysian visitor experience, but often lack the funding, technical capacity and manpower available to larger hotels.
“Policies and digital platforms must take into account their needs. This includes targeted digital grants, simpler registration processes and community-based training to help small operators use e-wallets, stock-management systems and online booking tools.”
He said shared digital platforms, tourism directories, QR payment facilities and low-commission booking channels could help reduce operating and marketing costs.
“They can also give small operators access to international visitors, enabling them to grow alongside the wider tourism industry in a way that benefits all parties.”
Tiong also pointed out that the priority over the next three years must be to put sustainable tourism into practice across Malaysia.
In line with the National Tourism Policy 2020-2030 and the 13th Malaysia Plan, he said the government, industry and communities must work closely together to develop nature-based tourism, community tourism and cultural experiences, while protecting the environment, preserving cultural heritage and ensuring local communities benefit.
He also called for closer cooperation among countries in tourism talent development, including joint training programmes, professional exchanges and mutual recognition of tourism skills and qualifications.
“This would give tourism workers more opportunities to develop their skills and careers, while helping the industry attract and retain talent.
“Regional cooperation should also cover multi-country travel packages, transport links and more seamless cross-border travel arrangements. Through the exchange of information and experience, countries can respond more effectively to challenges posed by geopolitical developments, climate change, public health emergencies and changing travel trends,” he said.
Tiong further stressed that tourism success should not be measured by visitor numbers alone.
“We must also ask how many opportunities it creates for the people, how much income it brings to communities, and how much of our natural and cultural heritage it preserves for future generations.
“This requires continued cooperation among the government, industry and communities to turn these goals into practical action in tourism businesses and local communities throughout the country.” – DayakDaily
