KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly RM550 million has been allocated to enhance tourism promotion and activities during Visit Malaysia Year 2026, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This includes for organisation of cultural activities, tourism events, and improving flight access to Malaysia; economic empowerment of communities through the arts, including promoting handicrafts and batik. "Additionally, RM110 million has been allocated to enhance tourism areas, establish ecotourism partnerships, and support UNESCO nominations," Anwar said.

This funding will improve facilities at Endau Rompin National Park in Johor, Redang Island in Terengganu, and Tusan Beach in Bekenu, Sarawak. It will also facilitate collaboration with the UNDP ( United Nations Development Programme) and Habitat Foundation on ecotourism initiatives and support nominations for Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) recognition of the Tin Mining Site in Sungai Lembing, Pahang, as well as the Chingay procession and lion dance culture.

Source: NST

Fifteen nations are set to converge at the Malaysia International Tourism Expo Pahang 2024 (MIT Pahang 2024), a premier event running for three days starting October 8, 2024. This much-anticipated expo, hosted by Malaysia, aims to strengthen global tourism ties while spotlighting Pahang’s unique offerings. With the presence of several prominent countries, the event promises to foster collaboration and exchange within the tourism industry. The participating countries include economic powerhouses and rising tourism markets such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), South Korea, Russia, Kenya, Turkey, Taiwan, China, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia.

According to Leong Yu Man, the Chairman of the State Unity, Tourism, and Culture Committee, the expo is poised to welcome approximately 10,000 visitors throughout its three-day run. The event is expected to be a pivotal moment for Malaysia’s tourism industry, serving as a platform to showcase its diverse attractions to a global audience. The participation of these 15 countries underscores the importance of cross-border tourism partnerships, as they collectively contribute to the global travel ecosystem, attracting a wide array of tourists with varying interests. One of the key highlights of MIT Pahang 2024 will be its “Business to Business” (B2B) sessions, designed to facilitate networking and collaborations between international travel agencies and local operators. With over 80 foreign travel agencies already confirming their participation, these sessions are expected to drive meaningful conversations that can lead to future partnerships and initiatives. The B2B interactions will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in the tourism sector, aiming to create synergies that benefit all parties involved.

In addition to the B2B sessions, the conference will also feature a series of tourism-related presentations and discussions led by industry experts. These forums will offer insights into current tourism trends, sustainability, and innovative practices aimed at enhancing the travel experience. Participants can expect to gain valuable knowledge and establish key contacts, further enhancing the appeal of Malaysia as a premier destination for international travelers.

MIT Pahang 2024 is more than just an exhibition; it is a celebration of global tourism, culture, and unity. The event is expected to leave a lasting impact on Malaysia’s tourism landscape, bolstering its reputation as a world-class travel hub. By bringing together diverse tourism players, the expo will not only showcase the best of Pahang but also set the stage for long-term international collaborations. The event offers an exceptional platform for tourism industry professionals to share insights and explore new business opportunities. It serves as a valuable space for participants to exchange innovative ideas and strategies, fostering collaboration across the sector. Additionally, the gathering encourages networking among global and local tourism players, facilitating discussions that can lead to fruitful partnerships. By bringing together industry leaders from various regions, the event aims to drive growth and innovation in tourism while creating opportunities for future trade connections.

The Malaysia International Tourism Expo Pahang 2024 is set to take place at the Sultan Ahmad Shah International Convention Centre (SASICC) in Kuantan, a prime venue known for hosting large-scale events. This prestigious expo will run for three days, offering a comprehensive platform for tourism industry professionals to engage in meaningful discussions, collaborations, and business networking. The venue’s state-of-the-art facilities ensure that participants will have ample space to exhibit and explore the latest trends, innovations, and opportunities in the tourism sector, further boosting the event’s significance. On the final day of the expo, October 10, the doors will open to the public, allowing visitors to experience the array of exhibitions firsthand. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to explore the offerings showcased in the Exhibition Hall, gaining insights into the global tourism industry and the latest travel trends. This public access day promises to enhance the event’s reach, allowing local visitors to connect with international tourism representatives and discover new travel opportunities. 

Source: Travel & Tour World Website

KUANTAN: The Pahang government has launched an investigation into allegations from traders at Medan Agro in Kea Farm, Cameron Highlands, regarding excessively high rental rates. State Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee chairman Sim Chon Siang said he received reports on the matter last week claiming the RM500 rental had surged to thousands of ringgit.

"I can confirm that we have received a report on the rental issue and are investigating it. These are serious allegations so we are getting in touch with the relevant quarters to obtain more information to verify the claims. "We will inform the findings once our investigations are completed.....I expect us to complete the process within two weeks," he told reporters during a press conference in conjunction with the Malaysia International Tourism (MIT) Expo Pahang at a hotel here today. 

The three-day MIT was opened by Pahang Unity, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Leong Yu Man, who represented Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail. Several days ago, a representative of a non-governmental organisation claimed in a TikTok video that the local authorities in Cameron Highlands had leased Medan Agro to another company which allegedly increased the RM500 rental to RM7,500 a month. The representative claimed that visitors often say that the prices of products in Cameron Highlands were costly and it might have been the result of the high rental rates.

Meanwhile, Leong when speaking on the issue said she hopes that the allegations of expensive products at Medan Agro will not affect tourist arrivals to the highlands. "We regularly monitor the prices of goods sold at tourist destinations in Pahang and action will be taken if we receive complaints (on sudden price increase). We hope traders will comply with the permitted price for products," she said.

Source: NST

KUANTAN: Pahang recorded the highest average occupancy rate of hotels at 75 per cent for the first six months of this year. State Unity, Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Leong Yu Man said the average occupancy rate saw a 2.5 per cent increase in the first half of the year, up from 72.5 per cent. "The average occupancy rate is calculated based on more than 36,000 registered rooms in Pahang, sourced from Tourism Malaysia's Strategic Planning Division.

"Kuala Lumpur is ranked second with an average rate of 60.3 per cent followed by Putrajaya with 55 per cent.  "Pahang also saw the highest occupancy rate for domestic travellers at hotels in the first six months of this year. It recorded 5.92 million tourists followed by Kuala Lumpur with 4.4 million and Johor with 3.7 million," she said today. Leong said five districts in Pahang, namely Bentong, Kuantan, Cameron Highlands, Temerloh and Rompin saw high tourist arrivals this year.

She said tourist destinations such as Genting Highlands, Pulau Tioman, Cameron Highlands and Kuantan city remained top choices for travellers. Leong, earlier this year, said Pahang had set a target of 13.5 million domestic and international tourists this year after recording 13.2 million last year by hosting 41 tourism events in 11 districts across the state.

Source: NST