A Message from Panorama Destination Malaysia:
Season’s greetings from Kuala Lumpur!
2024 has been a really busy and satisfying year, and the time seems to have flown by. This has been my first year in the role, and it’s been great getting to know our partners, clients and colleagues over this time. Developing new products, improving our levels of services and improving the business has been a very fulfilling experience, and I look forward to continuing this ongoing development with you in 2025.
After a year of growth and development, and with a brand-new year ahead of us, I want to help continue building Malaysia’s reputation as an outstanding travel destination, by developing products and services that showcase the many incredible attractions we have to offer your clients.
This process of development and promotion took a big step forwards last month, when AirAsia resumed their direct flight services connecting Da Lat in Vietnam (DLI) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL), starting from 1 November 2024. Coupled with the launch of a brand-new route from Chiang Rai, Thailand (CEI) to Kuala Lumpur, commencing on 2 November 2024, this bodes very well for the months ahead.
When travellers come to Malaysia, they really are spoiled for choice. If your clients are struggling to decide, we can certainly recommend Penang for their stay – the area combines natural beauty with vibrant culture, excellent food and fascinating history – it’s a bit like Malaysia in microcosm! This UNESCO city is one of our favourite destinations, and we have plenty of tours that showcase its unique charm.
As we enter the winter season and approach the end of a busy, successful year, I’d like to offer my heartfelt appreciation for your support during 2024. We look forward to building this partnership in the months to come. From all of us here in Malaysia, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.
Natasha Jimin
Country Manager, Panorama Destination Malaysia.
Destination digest: Malaysia news in brief
A selection of bitesize news stories currently making the headlines in Malaysia:
Sabah Tourism Board Wins at TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024
Government agency Sabah Tourism Board (STB) has nabbed the Community Engagement Programme of the Year – Malaysia category win at the prestigious TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2024 – Malaysia for its success in holding the exciting, high-energy Lampoopalooza 2024 that celebrates creativity, art, and music through a fusion of technology and sustainability.
(source: Travel Daily Media)
Malaysia Sets Sail on the Rising Tide of Cruise Tourism
Asia’s cruise tourism sector is making a strong comeback, offering renewed opportunities for international deployments and homeporting. Industry experts gathered at Seatrade Cruise Asia 2024 in Manila highlighted how the region is rapidly regaining momentum as both a source market and a prime cruise destination. This resurgence is reshaping the travel landscape, providing travellers with more diverse itineraries, elevated guest experiences and sustainable cruising options.
(source: The Malaysian Reserve)
Malaysia Wins ‘Destination of the Year’ at TripZilla Awards
Tourism Malaysia has announced that Malaysia has been awarded the prestigious title of “Destination of the Year” at the renowned Tripzilla Excellence Awards 2024. This honour is determined through an extensive voting process involving passionate travel enthusiasts and recognises our steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and exceptional service. This accolade acknowledges Malaysia’s exceptional tourism offerings, diverse culture and commitment to enhancing the travel experience for tourists.
(source: Travel Daily News)
Cross-border Tourism with Thailand Gets a Major Boost
Malaysia and Thailand have launched the ‘Self-Drive Tourism’ initiative, a collaboration designed to boost cross-border tourism and spotlight travel routes and experiences across both countries. Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry deputy secretary-general (Tourism) Dr Yasmeen Yasim said this initiative aims to enhance travel experiences while fostering cultural exchange: “With timely collaboration like this, we are optimistic about achieving our target of 2.3 million tourist arrivals from Thailand by 2025.”
(source: NST Online)
To get all the latest developments and breaking news coming out of Malaysia in the weeks ahead, simply follow Panorama Destination on our social media channels:
