Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Malaysia received 397,726 tourists from MENA region in 2019
- Saudi Arabia top MENA regional market with 121,444 tourists in 2019
- 32 Malaysian organisations participating in ATM
- Two million international tourist arrivals expected this this year and RM8.6 billion (AED7.5 billion) in tourism receipts expected for 2022
Tourism Malaysia, the promotion board under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, is participating once again in the Arabian Travel Market with the country’s tourism trade partners, to promote Malaysia to the Middle Eastern market. Showcasing the latest attractions and destinations for shopping, family fun, eco-adventure, honeymoons, luxury holidays, Malaysia will also underscore its reputation as a safe travel destination.
The prestigious annual event is once again being held at Dubai World Trade Centre, from 9th to 12th May. This year, the Malaysian delegation is led by The Honourable Minister Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia. The Malaysia Pavilion consists of 64 delegates representing 32 organisations, eager to meet key industry buyers from the Middle East. 
Malaysia reopened its borders to international tourists on 1st April 2022. Commenting, Dato’ Sri Nancy said, “It was indeed a significant milestone for our tourism industry as we welcome more international visitors, first time and returning visitors alike, to further boost our economy. Now that our borders are fully open again, we are confident that we will witness a strong rebound in tourism numbers, to bolster the recovery of our economy. We estimate two million international tourist arrivals this year generating more than RM8.6 billion (AED7.5 billion) in tourism receipts.”
Pre-pandemic, in 2019, Malaysia received 397,726 tourists from MENA region. Saudi Arabia was Malaysia’s top market, accounting for 121,444 tourists, more than 30 percent of arrivals, from the West Asia and North African regions, an 8.2 percent increase over the previous year.
The Malaysian delegation is comprised of hotels and resorts, travel agents, tourism product owners, and representatives from state tourism boards. During the four-day event, they will be presenting their respective tourism products and services that cater specifically for the Middle Eastern market.
The mission aims to enhance the commitment to establishing good tourism cooperation, engaging in future collaborations, and cooperation with the travel and tourism industry in the region. “We will continue to place a strong emphasis and focus on attracting Middle Eastern tourists to Malaysia, so naturally we will be stepping up our promotional efforts here,” said Dato’ Sri Nancy during the launch.
Throughout the event, Dato’ Sri Nancy is scheduled to meet up with senior executives from key Middle Eastern airlines to discuss future collaboration. Later on, today (10th May), Dato’ Sri Nancy will be at the signing of the Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC) between Tourism Malaysia and Emirates, which will take place on the Emirates stand.
This MOC will benefit the Malaysian economy and strengthen economic ties throughout the tourism industry between Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. Following that, Dato’ Sri Nancy will be hosting a gala dinner on 11th May to thank the tourism fraternity gathered in Dubai for their support and assistance in promoting Malaysia.
