Forum aims to elevate tourists’ experience
KUALA LUMPUR: With China being Malaysia’s third largest source of tourists after Singapore and Indonesia, local tourism industry players must be ready for the many business opportunities they bring.
Whether you are a seasoned operator or a newcomer to the tourism industry, the Malaysia China Tourism Forum (MCTF) will offer invaluable insights from China and Malaysia’s tourism experts.
MCTF will be held at San Choon Hall, Wisma MCA, on March 26 from 9am to 5pm.
Organised by QSC Tourism Consultant Sdn Bhd together with the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) and the MCA Belt and Road Centre (Mbrace), MCTF aims to provide a tourism platform for the discussion, creation and sharing of tourism resources.
“We want to help as many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as we can. Many people can benefit as the entry point is low.
“For example, a house can be turned into a homestay, even in rural areas,” said Mbrace executive chairman Datuk Seri Chuah Poh Khiang.
Mita deputy president Mint Leong said this was because experiential tourism was becoming more popular among Chinese tourists.
“When they go to Raub or Bentong for durians, locals can link them to other services. For instance, a housewife can cook a meal for them or make nyonya kuih for tea.
“The tourists feel happier when they can observe the cooking process as well. This is called an experi- ence tour, which is what we want to create. The forum can help newcomers highlight what they can offer,” she added.
Held under the promotion of Mbrace’s One Belt One Road 2.0 initiative, MCTF will be conducted every three months, totalling four forums this year.
The first MCTF, with the topic “Hello! Tourism!”, will feature Dr Xinjun Wang as the invited speaker from China’s tourism industry.
Once the major drafter of China’s outbound tourism policies and regulations during his stint in the China National Tourism Administration, Dr Wang is currently the chief executive officer of Ivy Alliance Tourism Consulting, a leading tourism research and marketing firm in China’s outbound tourism industry.
On the Malaysian side, visitors can look forward to more insights from Leong, Tourism and Culture Ministry officers, Mita president Uzaidi Udanis and Malaysia Maritime Silk Route Research Society president Dr Tan Beng Huat.
MCTF will be conducted in both Mandarin and English, with live translations provided during presentations.
Admission is free and attendees will receive a lunch box. But registration is required as seats are limited.
To register for MCTF, e-mail support@qsctourism.com.my or mca.mbrace@gmail.com.
Those with further inquiries may also contact 011-2616 1890 (Aldus) or 03-2203 3826 (KC).