NTO Wants Malaysia To Share Tourism Success, Especially In Handling Crises.

Date: 25 February 2013

NTO Wants Malaysia To Share Tourism Success, Especially In Handling Crises.

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) - The National Tourism Organisation (NTO) picked Malaysia to conduct the Asean Tourism Crisis Management and Communication Workshop because it wanted the country to share its tourism success, especially in handling crises.

Tourism Ministry secretary-general, Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng, said the selection was viewed as an acknowledgement of Malaysia's various tourism contributions to the region. "Malaysia is proud to undertake the two-day workshop, starting today, and do its part as an Asean member in an effort to build the quality and professionalism of the Asean tourism manpower," he said in a statement.

Ong said the global tourism industry has been affected by several crises over the past couple of years and Malaysia was no exception. "However, despite the various external uncertainties in the world and region, Malaysia's tourism performance continues to shine, emerging with 25.03 million in tourist arrivals last year, with a total of RM60.6 billion in tourist receipts," he said.

He said the largest growth would be seen in Asia-Pacific, where arrivals were forecast to increase by 331 million to 535

million in 2030. "Asia-Pacific countries will have an increased share of the global tourist market from 22 per cent in 2010 to 30 per cent in 2030," he said.

Ong said with this outlook, it was important for Asean countries to realise their strengths as one, and work together as one to ensure the region continued to be a safe and welcoming destination for tourists.

Over 40 participants from government agencies and tourism trade members of Asean countries are attending the workshop.

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