KUALA LUMPUR, 21 JUNE 2019: A total of 29 international media and tour operators from 13 countries are in Malaysia to experience what it’s like to celebrate Hari Raya Aidil Fitri in the traditional Malaysian-style of “open house.”

The group, here by Tourism Malaysia’s invitation on the Malaysia Mega Familiarisation Programme, will get a first-hand feel of the “merewang” tradition that typically sees communities working together hand-in-hand in preparation of a big event such as weddings and in this case, Hari Raya Aifil Fitri.

They will be attending the Malaysia Open House: Hari Raya Aidil Fitri event, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Ministry of Federal Territories, at the Royal Museum (former National Royal Palace) at 2 pm on 22 June. It will be officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Dr. Wan Ismail. Other VIPs in attendance are the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi and Minister of Federal Territories, YB Tuan Khalid Abdul Samad.

The event is expected to see hundreds of Malaysians and tourists throng the Royal Museum to enjoy special traditional performances and typical Malaysian food.

Prior to the celebration, the participants of the Malaysia Mega Familiarisation Programme will attend a special destination seminar on 21 June at PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur to get the latest updates on Malaysia’s tourism industry including the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign and the developments of Desaru Coast in Johor and Encore Melaka. They will also have a chance to understand Malaysia Airlines’ future plans and learn more about PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur’s brand.

The group will be given a sightseeing tour of Kuala Lumpur, visiting iconic places such as the Malaysia Cartoon and Comic Museum, River of Life and the Helipad Lounge Bar. They will also travel to other parts of Malaysia such as Melaka, Ipoh and Genting Highlands in separate groups to explore attractions outside the Klang Valley.

The Malaysia Mega Familiarisation Programme held in conjunction with the Malaysia Open House: Hari Raya Aidil Fitri sees a total of 29 international media and tour operators participating from 13 countries, i.e. Cambodia, China, India, Italy, Japan, Laos, New Zealand, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine and Vietnam. The programme is supported by partnerships with Malaysia Airlines, Turkish Airlines and PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur.

Background:

The Malaysia Mega Familiarisation Programme is one of Tourism Malaysia’s key marketing initiatives. It is organised with the support from local and foreign airlines, Malaysian hotels, state governments, tourism products and shopping complexes. Through this programme, participants are given a personal experience of the myriad attractions, tourist destinations, and products and services in Malaysia and inspire and encourage them to package and write amazing stories on the country as a preferred destination for leisure and business.

In 2018, a total of 80 guests from 10 countries participated in seven Malaysia Mega Familiarisation Programmes. It generated RM3.7 million worth of commercial value from 30 published feature articles in international publications, 68 documentaries and online media broadcasts. It has been one the most successful publicity platforms and we couldn’t have done it without your support and contribution.

ENDS

For more media releases, media info and media features on Malaysia’s tourism industry, kindly visit the Media Centre of Tourism Malaysia’s website at http://www.tourism.gov.my/

MALAYSIA TOURISM PROMOTION BOARD OR TOURISM MALAYSIA is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene. In 2018, Malaysia registered 25.8 million tourist arrivals and RM84.1 billion tourist receipts, placing it among the major tourism destinations of the world.

For press information, contact:

Muadz Samat
Assistant Director, Corporate Communication Division
muadz@tourism.gov.my
Tel: +603 8891 8755