TAIPEI: Tourism Malaysia set to boost its promotion activities in Taiwan by organising a Sales Mission as an effort to bring back the Taiwanese travellers in the post pandemic period to Malaysia.
Headed by Mr Manoharan Periasamy, Senior Director of International Promotion (Asia & Africa) Tourism Malaysia, the Malaysian delegation comprises of two (2) state tourism bodies, ten (10) MM2H agencies, two (2) homestay operators, three (3) hotel/ resort operators, ten (10) travel agents and a product owner.
The Sales Mission in Taiwan will take place in two (2) cities, starting in Kaoushiung on January 12th, 2023 and Taipei on January 13th, 2023. This promotional effort is expected to increase the number of Taiwanese tourists to Malaysia significantly, through promoting a greater awareness of Malaysia as an ideal and safe holiday destination post-pandemic period, as well as fostering greater cooperation between tour operators and members of the tourism fraternity through its business to business (B2B) events. It is also a timely effort to restore tourist confidence to travel to Malaysia thus repositioning Malaysia as an outstanding tourist destination.
Tourism Malaysia will also conduct a seminar in Taipei on January 13th, 2023 to promote its popular niche segments which are Malaysia My 2nd Home (MM2H) and Homestay packages.
Before the pandemic, Malaysia recorded 382,916 tourist arrivals with MYR 2.2 billion in tourist expenditure from Taiwan in 2019. Mr Manoharan said “The pandemic has been tremendously challenging for us, but ever since the reopening of our international border in April 2022, I am glad to let you know that we have welcomed more than 7 million international tourist arrivals in 2022. Hence, we are optimistic about achieving higher numbers in 2023 where we have target to welcome 15.6 million international tourist arrivals with MYR 47.6 billion in tourism receipts.”
He added, “Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme is an initiative by the Federal Government of Malaysia to attract and allow foreigners who fulfil certain criteria to stay in Malaysia for as long as possible on a 5-year renewable Pass with a Multiple-Entry Visa. It is open to all foreigners from countries regardless of race, religion & gender. All main applicants are to fulfil certain personal and financial criteria set by the Malaysian Government.”
“Malaysia is consistently among the Taiwanese preference for this program where this popularity can be attributed to the relatively affordable cost of living, the short flight times and the warm weather in Malaysia. Thanks to the friendly-long stay policies implemented under the MM2H programme, they can enjoy a luxurious life in Malaysia.”
Taiwan remains an important market for Malaysia. In terms of connectivity, there are currently 59 flights per week from Taiwan to Malaysia via Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, AirAsia X, Batik Air, EVA Air, China Airlines and Starlux Airlines.
