LANGKAWI, 14 SEPTEMBER 2018: Malaysia bagged four PATA Gold Awards 2018 in praise of the branding and marketing efforts of the country as a premier tourist destination. The awards were presented during the PATA Travel Mart 2018 in Langkawi.

Tourism Malaysia won the coveted PATA Gold Award 2018 in the category of Marketing Media – E-Newsletter for its in-house electronic newsletter, a monthly publication called “Experience Malaysia.” The newsletter covers news on tourism events and updates on tourist attractions around the country, sharing them with the public, industry players and media from around the world.

Meanwhile, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) also received an award for its marketing efforts in adventure travel through its reality show entitled “Difference Aside.” The show features some of Langkawi's best tourist attractions.

In the Environmental Education Programme category, Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa, Malaysia, won a Gold Award for its initiative of implementing 300 ways to save the earth through green practices. The resort is well-known for its environmentally-friendly operations and has won other similar awards before.

In addition, AirAsia, Malaysia, won a Gold Award under the category of “Marketing – Carrier” for its “Adventure Live” interactive video series.

PATA CEO Dr. Mario Hardy said, “On behalf of PATA, I would like to congratulate the 2018 PATA Grand and Gold Award winners, as well as all of this year’s participants for their submissions. This year’s winners exemplify the true values of the Association in working towards a more responsible travel and tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region.”

The PATA Gold Awards are a recognition of excellence, innovation, and the best tourism standards in Asia Pacific's travel and tourism industry. This year’s awards attracted 200 entries from 87 organisations and individuals worldwide. The 34 Grand and Gold Awards winners were selected by an independent judging committee consisting of fourteen senior executives from the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.

PATA Travel Mart 2018 was hosted by Tourism Malaysia and the Langkawi Development Authority from 12 to 14 September at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), Langkawi, Malaysia.

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 2017, Malaysia registered 25.9 million tourist arrivals, placing it among the major tourism destinations of the world.

Press contact:

Media Relations Unit:

Aliza Mansor, Senior Assistant Director, Corporate Communication Division
Tel: +603-8891 8789
Email: aliza@tourism.gov.my

Editorial Unit:

Anis Rozalina Ramli (Ms), Senior Editor, Corporate Communication Division
Tel: +603-8891 8759
Email: anisramli@tourism.gov.my