Malaysia inks deal with Saudi Arabia on tourism

The government of Malaysia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of tourism.

Malaysia was represented by Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz while Saudi was represented by Saudi Commission for Tourism & National Heritage president and chairman, Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

In a statement today, the ministry said both parties agreed to take necessary steps to encourage promotion and cooperation in the tourism sector through collaboration in research and development as well as joint training pertaining to tourism-related programmes.

It also included exchange of promotional publicity materials on tourism and tourism statistics, joint organisation of meetings, conventions and travel mart or trade fairs on tourism, developing handicraft industry and encourage of economic activities through tourism, it added.

"The signing of the MoU is deemed timely as both Malaysia and Saudi Arabia are keen to develop cooperation in the tourism sector, within the framework of the existing laws and regulations of both countries," it said.

The ministry said through its agency, Tourism Malaysia, was actively promoting Malaysia in the Middle East through roadshows and participation in various travel marts and fairs.

As of February 2016, 127 participants from Saudi Arabia have been approved for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Programme.

Malaysia was also voted the 2nd Best Shopping Destination 2015 for Muslims in the OIC Destination based on Crescent Rating and MasterCard Muslim Travel Shopping Index.