Latest news with #MalaysianChineseTourismAssociation
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Tourism group eyes RM18mil in revenue from travel fair in JB
JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) has set a target of RM18mil in revenue from the ongoing Malaysia International Travel Fair (MITM) 2025 here. Its Johor chairman Edwin Tay Kian Chuan said they expected to draw more than 80,000 visitors to MITM, which ends on Sunday (July 20). 'We have 19 top travel agencies offering exclusive promotions to destinations all over the world and within Malaysia as well," he told a press conference after the opening of MITM at a mall in Skudai on Friday (July 18). "People can go on their dream vacation for as little as RM2,000. 'Over the last few years, we have seen China and Taiwan emerging as favourite international destinations among Malaysians." He said the association was confident of hitting its target from the initial response so far. 'We have been seeing Singaporeans using Malaysian travel agencies to book their vacations to foreign destinations. "We are expecting the same thing during MITM. 'We usually hold this travel fair twice a year, but from next year, we will be holding it three times a year, including in Batu Pahat," he added. Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
The Star
26-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Over 60,000 visitors expected at travel fair next month
(Seated from third left) Ng and Tay holding up publicity materials for the MITM Travel Fair slated for July 18 to 20. THE Malaysia International Travel Mart (MITM) Travel Fair is back in Johor, with more than 60,000 visitors expected over three days. Event organising chairman Vin Ng said this year's fair from July 18 to 20 in Sutera Mall, Skudai, would have the highest number of exhibitors to date. 'There will be 19 travel agencies, with booths on the second level of the mall, offering travel packages. 'We aim to generate more than RM18mil in sales revenue over the three days,' he said in a press statement. Ng added that the annual event served as a one-stop marketplace for tourism players to promote affordable and attractive international holiday packages. Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association Johor chapter chairman Edwin Tay said visitors could expect more tourism destinations as the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) would be joining MITM for the first time. 'This marks JNTO's debut appearance in our fair, where it will be introducing exciting travel opportunities in Japan.' He said the Taiwan Tourism Administration would also be at the fair to promote Taiwanese destinations. He also announced that Sichuan Airlines had come on board as a sponsor of the travel fair. Strong support has also been shown by Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, Tourism Malaysia and Tourism Johor, Tay added. Visitors who spend a minimum of RM500 during the event will be eligible to participate in a lucky draw to win the grand prize of a Perodua Axia. Admission to the travel fair is free.
Daily Express
04-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Potential in religious tourism
Published on: Wednesday, June 04, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 04, 2025 By: Wu Vui Tek Text Size: Mary (centre) and Vincent (right) with the fellowship participants. Kota Kinabalu: Christian religious tourism holds strong potential to be further developed in Sabah, following a steady stream of overseas arrivals. This was evident from the growing number of participants from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Brunei, and Singapore who attended the 30th Legion of Mary (Chinese) Annual Fellowship Gathering 2025 in Kota Kinabalu. They were joined by local parishioners and participants from Peninsular Malaysia during the fellowship held from May 30 to June 2. 'It is estimated that nearly 800 overseas participants, along with over 100 local and domestic attendees, came together for this fellowship event. 'This is the third time Kota Kinabalu has hosted the event, and over the years, the number of arrivals has continued to grow,' said Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) Sabah Chairman Vincent Sia during the farewell dinner at Wisma Hakka. Among those in attendance were Archbishop John Wong and Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS), Deputy Permanent Secretary Mary Malangking. KePKAS sponsored goodie bags for the participants. Next year's fellowship will be hosted by Taichung, Taiwan. Parishioners also engaged in cultural presentations, including participating in the Kadazan's sumazau dance and enjoying the APT dance. 'I see this religious tourism segment as one that can be further developed into a niche market in Sabah with support from the tourism ministry. 'One of the ways to encourage this is by providing more incentives to tourism players to promote this segment,' said Vincent. The programme included visits and worship at Sacred Heart Cathedral, the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy in KKIP, and the Church of Mary Immaculate to deepen the participants' faith and connection with God. Vincent attributed the surge in overseas arrivals to the inclusion of excursion tours to Kudat, Kundasang, and Ranau, allowing participants to explore the tourist attractions in those areas. 'The combination of worship and sightseeing has made the programme particularly appealing, as participants are able to spend time relaxing and reflecting,' he said. 'We hope to attract more arrivals in the near future, as many people have heard about Sabah but have yet to set foot here. 'We hope the participants will help spread the word when they return home,' he added. Some attendees extended their stay to visit St Michael's Church in Penampang, the second-oldest stone church in Sabah after the Anglican Church in Sandakan, he said. Vincent added that other religions, including Islam and Buddhism, also hold potential for religious tourism, as the architectural design of their places of worship can attract faith-based travellers. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
