Tourism Malaysia is targeting a 10.6 per cent increase of arrivals from Brunei in 2024 compared to 1.21 million arrivals in 2019, said the head of its local branch at its media appreciation event yesterday.
Director of Tourism Malaysia Brunei Hazrina Azman said to reach the goal, they will pursue all available avenues and eagerly look forward to explore collaborations.
From January to September 2023, Bruneian travellers to Malaysia numbered at 574,856, compared to 87,038 over the same period in 2022.
In 2019, Bruneian arrivals were recorded at 929,789 in that period, said the director.
High Commissioner of Malaysia to Brunei Darussalam Dato’ Raja Reza bin Raja Zaib Shah said it is important to have ‘creative partnerships’ and for the agency to engage more travel agencies and other stakeholders in promoting Malaysian tourism.
“I hope to see more Bruneians visiting places beyond Miri or Kota Kinabalu in 2024. We have many other attractions in Perlis, Kelantan and Terengganu,” he said.
He said there is also a need to increase frequency of flights between Malaysia and Brunei, as well as new connections like Langkawi and Penang.
He added, “There are many states in Malaysia organising their respective visit year.” This included Visit Melaka 2024, Visit Perlis 2024, Visit Perak 2024, and Visit Kelantan 2024-2025, he said.
“Don’t be afraid to try something different, there could be more to gain as there are vast opportunities to boost the tourism industry,” he said.
Yesterday’s media appreciation event also saw local media representatives and the tourism industry participate in games and quizzes. – James Kon
