Tourism Malaysia has announced its participation in an annual 2021 edition of the Arabian Travel Market in order to showcase Malaysia's tourism industry in a transformed world.

The Arabian Travel Market is the first physical event for Tourism Malaysia, which takes place from May 16 to 19 at the Dubai World Trading Center (DWTC) and which has highlighted the relevance of the relationship between the two nations for the tourism sector in Malaysia since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic.

Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE, Mohd Tarid Bin Sufian said that Malaysia has been one of the strongest supporters of the Arabian Travel Market since its inception and Malaysians share many common cultural and religious ties with the people in the region including in promoting tolerance and unity.

" Discovering Malaysia would bring people closer together in understanding as exemplified by the leaders of the two countries through the exchange of visits including by the Majesty the King Al Sultan Abdullah of Malaysia and Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Prime Minister of Malaysia to the UAE as well as by His Highness Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of Armed Forces of the UAE to Malaysia recently",he said.

He added “When Malaysia opens its borders, it would welcome again visitors by putting in place the new norms for the hospitality industry to comply with relevant SOPs for Covid-19 in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the people and visitors alike.”

“Although the travel restrictions limited the number of our industry players presence in ATM 2021 physical event but majority of them are still maintaining their presence and interest in the Middle East by participating in ATM 2021 virtual event under the Tourism Malaysia Pavilion,”said Mohd Hasril Abdul Hamid, Consul General of Malaysia in Dubai.

 Director of Tourism Malaysia,Shahrin Mokhtar said Tourism Malaysia will always open the possible doors to promote Malaysia to the international market. This year we launched Malaysia Specialist Certified Programme (MSCP) to educate travel professionals in the Middle East on in-depth destination information to become certified Malaysia travel experts. 

Conducted by Malaysian destination experts from tourism boards of Penang, Melaka, Selangor, Sabah, Sarawak, and Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), the programme comprised a series of six webinars, spanning one hour per session from March 9 to 25 2021, designed specifically for travel agents. The MSCP is a part of Tourism Malaysia Dubai’s initiative born out of the Covid-19 pandemic besides the hashtag for this year, #WeMissYou, to let the tourists know that we are eager to see them again in our beautiful country.

As a country with a Muslim majority, Malaysia was always an attractive destination to the halal tourism industry because it provides a safe and family-friendly environment for Muslim travellers to satisfy their cultural and dietary needs.

The UAE is Malaysia's main feeder market, which is mainly visa-free in Malaysia. As a sustainable country, it is committed to showcasing Malaysian hospitality, UNESCO's picturesque and beautiful landscapes, the Cool Hills and 130 million year-old forests, the balmies and pristine beaches, as well as numerous other beautiful sites in the country. The country is a source of sustainability and responsibility in its tourism.

Tourism Malaysia will be exhibiting at the Arabian Travel Market from May 16 to 19, and will hold a press conference on May 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at DWTC's Al Ain Suites A&B, Mezzanine Floor above Hall 3.