Two batches of travel trade partners, comprising 17 travel agents from Iran and the UAE, recently went on familiarization (FAM) trips hosted by Tourism Malaysia as part of the campaign to promote Malaysia’s colorful destinations and publicize its attractions.
Held in collaboration with Air Arabia, the first batch from Iran was brought from Tehran via Sharjah in UAE to Kuala Lumpur to experience several tourism spots, including KLCC, KL Tower, Istana Negara, Merdeka Square, Central Market and Batu Caves, before proceeding to the Lexis Hibiscus in Port Dickson to discover what the 5-star luxury beach resort has to offer.
The participants also had the opportunity to visit Putrajaya and a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities at Resorts World Genting.
The second trip involved nine travel agents from UAE, including representatives from Air Arabia, who traveled from Sharjah to Kuala Lumpur. The participants enjoyed water sports activities at Lexis Hibiscus in Port Dickson, sightseeing around Kuala Lumpur, as well as immersing themselves in the brand-new Genting Skyworlds and Sunway Lagoon from June 5-10.
Director General of Tourism Malaysia Ammar Abd. Ghapar said tourism Malaysia continues to enhance Malaysia’s tourism promotion to the Middle Eastern market apart from active participation in the latest edition of the Arabian Travel Market 2023 last May.
“We hope the participating travel agents in this FAM Trips will fervently support us in selling tour packages to their respective markets in promoting Malaysia as a safe, value-for-money and preferred holiday destination,” he said.
Last year, foreign tourists from Iran and UAE registered 7,570 and 3,230 arrivals to Malaysia, compared to 46,559 and 11,174 arrivals during the pre-pandemic level in 1999, respectively. There are currently three weekly Air Arabia direct flights from Sharjah to Kuala Lumpur, with a seating capacity of 1,944 seats.