JEDDAH, 28 January 2024 - Tourism Malaysia actively takes part in the 12th Jeddah International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (JTTX) today as a strategic move to bolster its promotional efforts and attract a growing number of Middle Eastern travellers to Malaysia.

The three-day event serves as a crucial platform for connecting international travel businesses with the rapidly expanding Saudi travel market, recognised as one of the fastest-growing markets globally. JTTX has brought together influential local travel leaders and international exhibitors, fostering new relationships, fortifying existing business partnerships, and exploring collaborative opportunities.

Marking its fourth consecutive presence at JTTX, Tourism Malaysia is led by Datuk Musa Haji Yusof, Deputy Director-General (Promotion). The Malaysian delegation comprises seven esteemed travel agents, including Al Safer Travel & Tours, Future Group Tour & Travel, GR Travel & Tours, Kurma Gateaways Travel, TH Travel & Services, Universal Holidays Travel & Tourism, and Qadasfly Travel & Tourism.

Additionally, five prominent hotels and resorts join the delegation, namely Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah, Grand Ion Delemen Hotel, Genting Highlands, Holiday Villa Hotels & Resorts, Hospitality 360, and Sunway City Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia proudly maintains its position as the preferred "Top Muslim-Friendly Destination of The Year" as recognised by the MasterCard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2023. The destination has also been honoured as the "Muslim Women-Friendly Destination of The Year." These accolades resulted from an annual online survey that considers various criteria, such as the availability of halal food, access to prayer facilities, Muslim-friendly services in hotels, and overall safety and security.

Datuk Musa Haji Yusof said: “We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate and cooperate with some of the best industry players, such as Saudia, Air Arabia and Al Mosafer (Seera). We anticipate a substantial increase in arrivals from Saudi Arabia this year, facilitated by the development of new tour packages in gearing up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.”

Malaysia welcomed 38,143 tourists from Saudi Arabia from January to September 2023, surpassing 35,980 recorded in 2022. In 2024, Malaysia aims to welcome 27.3 million tourists, generating MYR102.7 billion in revenue. The forthcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 has set an ambitious target of 35.6 million foreign tourist arrivals.

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