YOGYAKARTA: The Malaysia Travel Fair 2024, organised by Tourism Malaysia Jakarta, kicked off in Yogyakarta on Friday, marking a significant effort to strengthen tourism cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia.
This is the first time the fair is being held in the city, known for its rich arts and cultural heritage, according to Tourism Malaysia Jakarta Director, Hairi Mohd Yakzan.
“We are very proud to begin this important step in Yogyakarta, a city that not only embodies art and tradition but also symbolises the strong bond between Malaysia and Indonesia,” he said during the opening ceremony.
The event, held in partnership with the Association of Indonesian Travel Agents (ASTINDO) and the Association of the Indonesian Tour & Travel Agencies (ASITA), was officially opened by Malaysia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Syed Md Hasrin Tengku Hussin.
In his opening speech, Syed Md Hasrin expressed confidence that the fair would serve as a vital platform to further strengthen economic ties and people-to-people connections between the two countries.
“Next year, Malaysia will officially assume the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025 and will celebrate Visit Malaysia Year 2026 the following year, so take this opportunity to explore our country more deeply,” he added.
Syed Md Hasrin stated that Malaysia offers unique tourism experiences, placing a strong emphasis on sustainability to ensure the industry’s future.
Over the next three days, visitors to the fair at Jogja City Mall can explore exclusive travel packages, discounts, and offers from top tour operators. The event is expected to attract many local attendees eager to make Malaysia their next travel destination.
Exciting activities include prize draws, a tea pulling demonstration, and traditional Malaysian dance performances.
Tourism Malaysia, an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, promotes Malaysia as a preferred travel destination and plays a key role in the international tourism industry.
The upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 will highlight the sustainability of the country’s tourism sector, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).
The agency also supports the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) and aims to promote the region as an integrated travel destination through the IMT-GT Visit Year 2023-2025 initiative. – Bernama
