Tourism & Hospitality | Wednesday 27 April, 2016 6:28 am |

Tourism Malaysia’s Deputy Director General (International Promotion) Dato’ Hj. Azizan Noordin officially launched a new advertising campaign for the West Asian market today during a press conference held in conjunction with the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2016.

 

The new advertising campaign targets the West Asia, Iran, and North and South African markets in a series of print, broadcast, and online advertisements. It will focus on themes that appeal to travellers from these markets, such as shopping, luxury holidays, eco adventure, family fun, and honeymoon. 

 

Besides that, Dato’ Azizan also introduced Malaysia’s latest shopping icon Miss SHOPhia (pronounced Sho’ fi’ ah). She is the country’s Shopping Ambassador and Retail Queen, who keeps her followers up-to-date with the latest bargains, new fashion, food outlets, and shopping events on her blog. She is their ultimate shopping buddy and gives them the best advice on fashion, trends, the latest gadgets, etc. Miss SHOPhia will also take on cameo roles in viral videos and TV commercials to promote shopping in Malaysia. 

 

The new campaign is in line with Tourism Malaysia’s effort to boost arrivals from the West Asian market. Last year, Malaysia received 316,209 tourists from West Asia, signifying a drop of 10.7% compared to 353,955 arrivals in 2014.

 

Dato’ Azizan is leading 124 Malaysian sellers from 77 organisations to promote Malaysia’s extensive tourism offerings at this year’s ATM, which marks the 23rd year of the country’s participation in this prestigious event. It is a testament to its commitment to make Malaysia a top-of-mind destination for travellers from the West Asian market.

 

The Malaysian delegation is comprised of a good mix of hotels and resorts, travel agents, tourism product owners, and representatives from state tourism boards. During the 4-day event, they will be highlighting their respective tourism products and services that cater specially for the Middle Eastern market.

 

Dato’ Azizan will also take the opportunity to meet up with the top management of West Asian airlines, namely Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, besides having several interviews with the local media.

 

Besides that, he will be hosting a networking dinner on 26 April at the Grand Hyatt Dubai to thank the tourism fraternity in Dubai and local media for their support and assistance in promoting Malaysia. 

 

Besides having sales missions/road shows to various parts of West Asia and participating in major tourism events like ATM, the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia also lends support to efforts that will help boost arrivals from West Asia, such as the concert of award-winning Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram in Kuala Lumpur. It will be held on 30 and 31 July 2016, 9pm, at Merdeka Hall, Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC).