Malaysia targets tourists from Thailand

Now that Malaysia’s borders are open to fully vaccinated travellers, the country intends to develop its tourism industry by targeting Thai tourists in particular. At an event entitled “Tourism Malaysia Hybrid Seminar” held in Bangkok last Thursday, Thai and Malaysian officials exchanged ideas about how to promote and facilitate Thai travel to Malaysia.

The “Tourism Malaysia Hybrid Seminar” held at Crown Plaza Bangkok Lumphini Park was attended by Thai tour operators, representatives from Malaysian businesses and the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, or MTPB. The attendees discussed the development of tourism packages to Malaysia for Thai tourists.

Director of the MTPB Madzwin Zainal Abidin said she hopes that Thai airlines and businesses would promote Malaysia as an attractive and safe holiday destination.

President of Malaysia’s Inbound Tourism Association Uzaidi Udanis said that Malaysia has a series of events lined up this year to attract tourists. He hopes that Malaysia will see one million tourists this year after a two year slump due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

On May 1, Malaysia eased its entry restrictions. Fully vaccinated travellers can enter without pre-departure and on-arrival Covid-19 testing. Children below the age of 12 and those who have recovered from Covid-19 within six to 60 days prior to departure are also exempt from pre-departure and on-arrival testing.

Right now, Malaysia may not be the hottest travel destination for unvaccinated travellers, who are still required to quarantine for 5 days upon entry into the country. Unvaccinated travellers must also obtain a negative RT-PCR test 2 days prior to arrival in the country. Children aged 17 and below are exempt from quarantine, regardless of vaccination status.

Since May 1, checking in to venues via Malaysia’s Covid-19 tracking application MySejahtera – or MySJ – is no longer required. However, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin encouraged people to activate the MySJ Trace function to help identify anyone exposed to the Covid-19 virus to keep the situation under control.

Wearing masks outdoors is currently optional in Malaysia but wearing masks indoors – in places such as shopping malls, offices and public transportation – remains mandatory.

SOURCE: The Nation