December 2022

Camping industry in Malaysia has become more popular in recent months since the pandemic covid 19 .

That’s why so many entrepreneurs are venturing into in this industry . We can also see a lot of shops are selling camping equipments nowadays.

Why Malaysia is suitable for camping industry ?

Malaysia is a country with a diverse range of landscapes, from mountains and forests to beaches and islands, which provides a variety of options for camping enthusiasts. The country also has a warm tropical climate, which makes it an attractive destination for outdoor activities such as camping. In addition, the growth of the tourism industry in Malaysia may have contributed to the increased popularity of camping in the country.

Due to the unfortunate tragedy of Batang Kali , most of the local council and state government has announced a freeze on all outdoor recreational activities during this season.. but there come a time where camping activities will be allow again …. and we all know that camping business can become lucrative and there will be more campsites to be open ..

….. but wait !!! Before you want invest and operate CAMPSITE, please read my opinions on how to improve the safety of a campsite against landslides.

1. Choose a suitable location for camping sites : We know that there are so many suitable potential sites in Malaysia but when selecting a campsite, it is important to choose a location that is on stable ground and is not prone to landslides. This may require conducting a thorough risk assessment of the area and consulting with local authorities or experts to identify potential hazards.
   
2. Implement proper erosion control measures: With vast development in Malaysia’s countryside , there are tendency of erosions …Erosion can weaken the ground and make it more prone to landslides. To prevent erosion, campsites can implement measures such as retaining walls, vegetation, and erosion-resistant materials.
   
3. Monitor and maintain the campsite: Regularly inspecting and maintaining the campsite can help to identify and address potential hazards before they become a problem. This may involve maintaining trails, roads, and other infrastructure, as well as ensuring that campsites are clean and well-maintained. You may need to appoints own RANGERS to supervise the campsite area.
   
4. Develop an evacuation plan: In the event of a landslide, it is important to have a plan in place to ensure the safety of campers. This may include identifying safe evacuation routes, establishing an emergency communication system, and providing training to staff and campers on how to respond to a landslide.
   
5. Provide education and information: Providing education and information to campers about the risks of landslides and how to stay safe can help to reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries. This may include posting warning signs, distributing informational materials, and conducting drills or training sessions.
   

I have to emphasize that nobody can predict NATURAL DISASTER but with all the precaution steps , the campsites operators can minimise any untoward incidents. In Tourism we have a saying that says .. GOOD SAFETY MEANS GOOD BUSINESS.

Currently  local councils do not have specific conditions for camping activities because it usually is a side activity conducted by the land owners but I am pleased to know that Selangor State Government are taking one step to move forward and will formulate guidelines on camping activities. The State Government will hold a meeting with stakeholders of camping activities after conducting a comprehensive census on the recreational activities. On behalf of tourism industry players , I am looking forward to work together with Selangor State Government on this matter.

I know that after the incidents ,all local councils are now trying to implement strict regulations on camping sites but I hope it will not burden the campsites operators financially . I agree that the regulations must be relevant and effective as SAFETY is No 1 in this industry but I hope it wont be OVER BURDEN for the operators to comply .

The incident in Batang Kali was very unfortunate.. I would like to  conveyed my deepest condolence to the families of the Batang Kali landslide victims over their loss. It is a difficult moment for the families but I hope families of the victims to remain strong and calm in facing their loss.

Malaysian love to travel and locals love to try out new alternatives way for them to enjoy travelling.

Malaysian travellers always in looking for ways to enjoy themselves and relax while still following social distancing guidelines. Camping and other outdoor activities can provide an opportunity to get away from crowds and spend time in nature, which can be especially appealing during a time of uncertainty and stress.

The pandemic may have led to a desire for more affordable and flexible vacation options. Camping and other outdoor activities can be more budget-friendly than more traditional types of travel, and they often allow for more flexibility in terms of late check in and out , scheduling and destination choices.

The pandemic may have led to an increase in the popularity of outdoor activities as people seek ways to improve their physical and mental health. Camping and other outdoor activities can provide an opportunity for exercise, fresh air, and stress relief, which may be especially important during a time of increased anxiety and isolation.

…but with the incidents happens in Batang Kali , campsite operators face huge losses.

Campsite operators are facing cancellations and losses at a recreational site near Genting Highlands.

According to The Straits Times , A campsite operator, who wished to be known only as Ros, said bookings at her premises went down by at least 30 per cent after the incident, causing her business to suffer more than RM6,000 in losses to date. 

“Even though our premises are located about 9km away from the landslide location, we’re already getting cancellation requests for the bookings we received for the last week of December and onwards,” she told The Straits Times.

We don’t blame them for cancelling, but since this is our source of income and a peak season for us, we hope the government and the authorities can help manage public fear,” she said.

Another campsite operator, who wished to be identified only as Yus, said: “Yes, our business is deeply affected even though we’re 17km away, but there is no way we can avoid this. For now, the bookings that have been cancelled from Friday to the first week of January 2023 are worth about RM9,000.”

I personally think that the industry players and campsite operators need to work together with local council on how we can minimise untoward incident in future .

My next article , I will share on how i think we can improve the safety of a campsite against landslides.

Eco- Tourism and SUSTAINABLE TOURISM are the most “SEXIEST” words in Malaysian Tourism Industry . Almost everybody are using this “SEXY” words to attract tourist … but what the heck are these words mean ???

Let me just share my 2 cents knowledge on these two powerful words….

Eco-tourism and sustainable tourism are both forms of tourism that focus on preserving the natural environment and cultural heritage of a destination. However, there are some key differences between the two terms.

Eco-tourism is a type of tourism that is specifically focused on the natural environment and often involves activities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, and nature photography. Eco-tourism is typically centered around the concept of conservation, with the goal of minimizing the impact of tourism on the natural environment and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.

Sustainable tourism, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses a range of practices and strategies designed to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment, culture, and economy of a destination. Sustainable tourism involves a range of activities, such as promoting the use of local products and services, minimizing waste and pollution, and conserving natural resources. It is often focused on the long-term sustainability of a destination, rather than just the short-term economic benefits of tourism.

In summary, eco-tourism is a specific type of tourism that is focused on nature conservation, while sustainable tourism is a broader term that encompasses a range of practices and strategies designed to minimize the negative impacts of tourism on the environment, culture, and economy of a destination.

Where are the most famous sustainable tourism destinations ?

1. Costa Rica: Costa Rica is known for its efforts to promote sustainable tourism, with a number of initiatives in place to protect the country’s natural environment and cultural heritage. For example, the country has implemented a system of national parks and protected areas, and has established a number of sustainable tourism initiatives, including the Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program.
   
2. Sweden: Sweden is a leader in sustainable tourism, with a number of initiatives in place to minimize the environmental impact of tourism and promote the use of local products and services. The country has a number of eco-friendly hotels and has implemented a number of sustainable tourism initiatives, including the Sweden Green Travel Plan.
   
3. Bhutan: Bhutan is known for its commitment to sustainable tourism, with a number of initiatives in place to protect the country’s natural environment and cultural heritage. The government of Bhutan has implemented a number of sustainable tourism initiatives, including the Bhutan for Life program, which aims to promote sustainable tourism and protect the country’s natural resources.
   
4. New Zealand: New Zealand is a popular destination for sustainable tourism, with a number of initiatives in place to minimize the impact of tourism on the country’s natural environment and cultural heritage. The country has a number of eco-friendly accommodation options and has implemented a number of sustainable tourism initiatives, including the Qualmark Environmental Sustainability program.
   
5. Iceland: Iceland is a popular destination for sustainable tourism, with a number of initiatives in place to minimize the impact of tourism on the country’s natural environment and cultural heritage. The country has a number of eco-friendly accommodation options and has implemented a number of sustainable tourism initiatives, including the Icelandic Tourist Board’s Green Globe program.
   

Where are the famous eco tourism destinations ???

1. Galapagos Islands: The Galapagos Islands are a famous eco-tourism destination located off the coast of Ecuador. The islands are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including many species found nowhere else in the world. Eco-tourism is the main source of income for the islands, and a number of initiatives have been put in place to minimize the impact of tourism on the natural environment.
   
2. Sarawak & Sabah Borneo: Borneo is a large island located in Southeast Asia, and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including orangutans, elephants, and rhinoceroses. Eco-tourism is an important industry in Borneo, and a number of initiatives have been put in place to minimize the impact of tourism on the natural environment, including the establishment of national parks and protected areas.
   
3. Costa Rica: Costa Rica is another famous eco-tourism destination, with a number of initiatives in place to protect the country’s natural environment and cultural heritage. The country is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, and sloths, and a number of eco-tourism activities are available, including wildlife viewing, hiking, and birdwatching.
   
4. Tanzania: Tanzania is a popular eco-tourism destination, with a number of initiatives in place to protect the country’s natural environment and cultural heritage. The country is home to a number of national parks and wildlife reserves, and eco-tourism activities include wildlife viewing, hiking, and cultural tours.
   
5. Belize: Belize is a small Central American country that is home to a diverse range of natural environments, including rainforests, coral reefs, and Mayan ruins. Eco-tourism is an important industry in Belize, and a number of initiatives have been put in place to minimize the impact of tourism on the natural environment, including the establishment of national parks and protected areas.
   

In summary , Malaysian tour operators and product operators need to learn how we can leverage these segments to attract quality tourist..
If you want to specialise ECO TOURISM , please join in the TRAVEL AGENTS SPECIALISATION PROGRAM . Register Now https://form.jotform.com/malaysiatourism/specialise

Tourism is one of the largest industries in Malaysia

Therefore ,tourism is an important industry in Malaysia and plays a significant role in the country’s economy. According to data from the World Tourism Organization, Malaysia received over 25 million international tourist arrivals in 2019, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.

Tourism is a major contributor to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) and is a key driver of economic growth in the country. In 2019, the tourism sector accounted for approximately 8.9% of Malaysia’s GDP, making it one of the largest contributors to the country’s economy. The industry also generates significant employment opportunities, with over 4 million people working in the tourism sector in 2019.

In addition to its economic contributions, tourism also helps to promote Malaysia’s cultural heritage and diversity, and can contribute to the country’s social and cultural development. The government of Malaysia recognizes the importance of tourism to the country’s economy and has implemented various initiatives to promote and develop the industry.

Overall, the tourism industry is an important contributor to the Malaysian economy and plays a vital role in the country’s development and growth.

How is the impact of inbound tourism on the economy ?

The inbound tourism industry have a significant impact on a country’s economy. Tourism can generate significant revenues through the sale of goods and services to tourists, such as accommodation, food and drink, transportation, and souvenirs. It can also create employment opportunities, both directly in the tourism industry and indirectly in related sectors such as retail, construction, and transportation.

Tourism can also have an indirect impact on the economy through the stimulation of other industries. For example, an increase in tourism can lead to increased demand for local products, such as food and souvenirs, which can benefit farmers and manufacturers.

Additionally, tourism can have a positive impact on a country’s balance of payments by bringing in foreign currency from tourists. This can help to improve the country’s overall economic performance and contribute to economic growth.

However, it is important to note that the impact of tourism on the economy can be both positive and negative. While tourism can bring economic benefits, it can also put pressure on local resources and infrastructure, and may lead to an increase in the cost of living for locals. Therefore, it is important for governments and tourism industry stakeholders to carefully manage and regulate the tourism industry to ensure that its benefits are maximized while minimizing any negative impacts. For example the tragedy in Batang Kali will give a negative impact on the local economy as not many tourist will go to that area in near future.

There are several reasons why banks may want to support inbound tourism players, such as hotels, tour operators, and other businesses that cater to tourists coming into a country.

1. Economic benefits: Inbound tourism can have a significant positive impact on a country’s economy. Tourists spend money on accommodation, transportation, food, and other goods and services, which can generate income and employment for local businesses and communities.
   
2. Brand reputation: By supporting inbound tourism players, banks can demonstrate their commitment to supporting and investing in local businesses and the tourism industry. This can enhance the bank’s reputation and make it more attractive to customers and partners.
   
3. Diversification: Supporting inbound tourism players can help banks diversify their portfolio and reduce their risk by not relying on a single industry or sector.
   
4. Customer loyalty: By supporting local businesses, banks can build customer loyalty and strengthen their relationships with business owners and tourists.

Overall, supporting inbound tourism players can provide banks with a range of economic, reputational, and strategic benefits.

@uzaidiudanis Perlukah Malaysia mempunyai Political Will untuk menubuhkan TOURISM Bank untuk membantu industri pelancongan ? Jika industri pelanconagan mantap , maka ekonomi negara akan lebih mantap … #inboundtourismbusiness #malaysia #economy #pru15 #ge15 #travelagent #tourismindustry #tourismrecovery #rethinkingtourism ♬ original sound – Uzaidi Udanis