KUCHING: A total of 80 agencies and representatives from Germany’s tourism industry have been invited to explore Malaysia’s potential as a key destination for tourists from Germany and Europe.
Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing extended this invitation following the official visit of the ministry’s delegation, led by him, during the recent International
Tourism Exchange Berlin (ITB) 2025
“This working visit also aims to strengthen strategic networks between Malaysia’s tourism industry players and Europe. I extended this official invitation during a meeting with the German Tourism Association (DRV).
“I was informed by DRV president, Norbert Fiebig that the association oversees between 60 to 80 members, consisting of travel agencies, tourism-related institutions, and leading airlines in Germany,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook.
According to DRV, Malaysia is still not a primary destination for German tourists, and many industry players are still unfamiliar with the unique offerings and attractions of Malaysia’s tourism.
“In this regard, DRV suggested that their members be invited to Malaysia to experience the local tourism firsthand, which would help them develop travel packages and promote them to the European market.
“I agree with the saying ‘the more you travel, the wider your experience’. Therefore, I am offering 80 visit slots for DRV members to come and explore Malaysia, with accommodation, meals, and domestic transportation covered by us.
“However, they are required to submit a plan of action and an estimate of the number of potential tourists they could bring to Malaysia as a result of this visit,” he said.
Nothing that the ITB Berlin is the world’s largest tourism exhibition, bringing together various players in the tourism industry, including travel agencies, airlines, and international industry players, he stressed that it is an important platform in his efforts to promote Malaysia to the European market.
He also said he had officiated the Malaysia Pavilion at the ITB Berlin 2025 exhibition, in addition to promoting various initiatives and attractions for Visit Malaysia Year (VM2026).
“During this visit, I also held meetings and engagement sessions with three major tourism industry players from Germany, Poland, a European airline, and the German tourism industry association to discuss strategic collaboration opportunities.
“This visit further strengthens bilateral cooperation and opens new pathways for penetrating the European tourist market, in line with the VM2026 goal to attract more international tourists to Malaysia,” said Tiong.
