The constant and outright efforts to promote Malaysia in Japan as a Tourism destination has improved the Japanese footfall and rise in Japanese tourists in Malaysia said MTPB (The Malaysia Tourism and Promotion Board).

In an interview with Malaysian media in Kyoto, Japan, The Tourism Malaysia Osaka office deputy director Shahrulnazri Shaharuddin said from January to June this year, Japanese tourist arrivals in Malaysia recorded a growth of 5.6% to 195,561. He said, “MTPB’s mega familiarization events conducted several times since early in the year seem to be bearing fruit,”. He said MTPB’s office in Tokyo and Osaka have also been constantly uploading news and stories on all social media portals regarding Malaysia to keep the people updated on the same and grab as many eyeballs as possible.

“Also, the travel bloggers have helped them create the much-needed hype through participation in programs, writing their travel experiences in Malaysia, in order to reach the younger demographics through social media portals,” He said. He added “The constant updates on social media shows that MTPB is active in sharing the latest update and happening in the country ensuring Malaysia far and wide in social media posts. Also, Japan is actively promoting Malaysia in schools and Colleges. Another contributing factor is the extended golden week holiday at the beginning of May, due to the abdication of the Emperor of Japan, he noted.

Meanwhile, he also said that MTPB Japan has also updated its Instagram and Facebook pages, as well as its Twitter feed, blog and official website with the recently launched Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020) logo.

“Sales representatives, agents and other industry players are briefed on the logo and encouraged to use it when creating and selling Malaysia packages,” he said.