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Tourism Malaysia recently hosted two batches of travel trade partners from Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Familiarisation Trips (FAM Trips).
The aim of these trips was to provide travel agents with a firsthand experience of Malaysia’s vibrant cities and captivating destinations, enabling them to increase their product knowledge and promote Malaysia’s tourism offerings to their respective markets.
The FAM Trips, held in collaboration with Air Arabia, offered a comprehensive itinerary that showcased Malaysia’s rich culture, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Exploring Malaysia’s city delights and nature
The first batch of travel agents from Iran embarked on a 6-day, 5-night FAM Trip, commencing their journey from Tehran and transiting through Sharjah in the UAE before arriving in Kuala Lumpur.
The participants had the opportunity to visit popular tourism spots in Kuala Lumpur, including the iconic KLCC and KL Tower, as well as cultural landmarks such as Istana Negara (National Palace), Merdeka Square, and Central Market. The exploration continued with a visit to the magnificent Batu Caves.
The group then proceeded to Lexis Hibiscus in Port Dickson, a luxurious 5-star beach resort, where they experienced the resort’s amenities and services. Additionally, the participants enjoyed the scenic beauty of Putrajaya and indulged in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities at Resorts World Genting.
The second FAM Trip involved nine travel agents from the UAE, including representatives from Air Arabia. They embarked on a journey from Sharjah to Kuala Lumpur, where they experienced the thrill of water sports activities at Lexis Hibiscus in Port Dickson.
The participants also explored Kuala Lumpur city, taking in its architectural wonders and vibrant atmosphere. The trip concluded with visits to the exciting attractions of Genting Skyworlds and Sunway Lagoon, where they enjoyed thrilling rides and memorable experiences.
Strengthening Middle Eastern market promotion
Dato’ Dr Ammar Abd. Ghapar, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, highlighted the importance of promoting Malaysia’s tourism offerings to the Middle Eastern market.
The FAM Trips served as an opportunity to engage with travel agents and encourage them to sell tour packages that highlight Malaysia as a safe, value-for-money, and preferred holiday destination. The participation of these travel agents is crucial in attracting more tourists from Iran and the UAE and driving the recovery of the tourism industry in Malaysia.
In recent years, the number of foreign tourists from Iran and the UAE visiting Malaysia has seen a decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the resumption of travel activities, these FAM Trips aim to reignite interest in Malaysia as a travel destination. In 2022, Malaysia welcomed 7,570 tourists from Iran and 3,230 tourists from the UAE.
These figures are a significant drop compared to the pre-pandemic levels in 1999, which recorded 46,559 arrivals from Iran and 11,174 arrivals from the UAE. The FAM Trips, coupled with the availability of three weekly Air Arabia direct flights from Sharjah to Kuala Lumpur, with a seating capacity of 1,944, are expected to contribute to the recovery of tourist arrivals from these countries.
The recent FAM Trips organised by Tourism Malaysia have played a pivotal role in reintroducing Malaysia’s attractions to travel agents
from Iran and the UAE. By providing them with firsthand experiences of Malaysia’s diverse offerings, these trips aim to reignite interest and boost tourism from these markets. As Malaysia continues to prioritize the revival of its tourism industry, collaborations with travel partners and targeted promotional efforts will ensure that the country remains a preferred destination for global travelers.
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