(KPL) Tourism Malaysia organized a Roadshow Seminar and B2B Networking event on Wednesday, aimed at exploring the burgeoning tourism opportunities between Malaysia and Laos.

The event was attended by Senior Assistant Director International Promotion Division (Southeast Asia), Ms. Yusliza Yusoff, Ambassador of Malaysia to Laos, Edi Irwan Mahmud, Ms. Sordaly Chanthavong, Marketing Manager of Tourism Malaysia, representatives from Tourism Malaysia, travel agents, airline agencies, hotels, and product owners from both Malaysia and Laos.

Senior Assistant Director International Promotion Division (Southeast Asia), Ms. Yusliza Yusoff

Ms. Yusliza Yusoff highlighted the growing interest in Malaysian tourism among Lao travelers. "Since Malaysia's border reopening in April 2022, we have welcomed 16,781 Lao tourists in 2023. From January to May 2024, the number has reached 7,059," she stated.

The event also celebrated the launch of bi-weekly direct flights between Vientiane and Kuala Lumpur by AirAsia, commencing from July 2, 2024. Ms. Yusliza expressed confidence that this new connectivity would drive even higher visitor numbers.

"With a target of 27.3 million international arrivals and RM102.7 billion in tourism revenue for 2024, Malaysia aims to solidify its position as a top global destination," Ms. Yusliza emphasized. She encouraged collaboration with Lao travel agents and industry partners to develop innovative travel packages that attract more Lao tourists to Malaysia.

Ambassador of Malaysia to Laos, Edi Irwan Mahmud

Ambassador Edi Irwan Mahmud echoed these sentiments, affirming Malaysia's commitment to enhancing its tourism offerings. "Malaysia's tourism sector continues to thrive, supported by ongoing enhancements in our attractions and services," he remarked. He urged Lao stakeholders to contribute actively to Malaysia's tourism goals, highlighting the steady increase in Lao tourist arrivals.

The seminar concluded on a high note with renewed commitments from both Malaysian and Lao participants to foster greater tourism cooperation. As Malaysia looks ahead to achieving its ambitious tourism targets, events like these serve as crucial platforms for building lasting partnerships and exploring new avenues for growth in the vibrant tourism sector.

KPL