January 2023

The recent tragedy at Batang Kali highlights the importance of ensuring that tourism in Selangor is sustainable, safe and in harmony with the environment.

Currently , tourism industry is recovering from the pandemic and a lot of changes in the tourism industry and there are so many new developments and trends like camping , glamping and caravan , but i think there is  a need to relook on the latest trends.

As a tourism association, it is our responsibility to ensure that the camping industry in Selangor is developed in a manner that prioritizes the safety of tourists, the well-being of the environment and the preservation of our natural heritage. 

we hope the guidelines we will be discussing today aim to achieve just that.

We recognize that the camping industry has the potential to bring significant economic benefits to the state, and we are committed to promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices. 

We understand that the challenges we face are complex and multifaceted, but with the right approach and cooperation, we believe that we can achieve a harmonious balance between tourism and the environment in Selangor. 

I would like to congratulate Selangor State Govt esp YB for thinking forward

so today ive been given a task on a short presentation on challenges and expectation of the tourism players on camping industry.

My presentation title “ Camping in Selangor , towards to the harmonious balance between tourism and the environment. 

A little bit about MITA – iIT s an NGO OF INBOUND TOURISM which focusing on bringing international tourist to malaysia, bringing foreign money to malaysia and bringing investiment to malaysia.. This is our focus and we have 3,650 companies as our members and 37% of our members are in Selangor . That’s why its important to work together with Selangor State govt esxpecially Tourism Selangor .

Yesterday , i had a meeting Singaporean travel agent who brought in 7,000 singaporean students into Malaysia in 2019 and he said he is a bit sceptical to bring to Malaysia as he feels a lot of landslide in Malaysia .. from Highland Tower to Madrasah Hulu Langat to Bungalow UK Height to Batang Kali. 

Same goes to our other counterparts from other countries . It looks like we have a perception problem which in their mind, they feel that Malaysia has a major problems of landlslide. Therefore we really hope a good outcome came from the workshop

Some challenges faced by travel agents in Malaysia who want to promote camping packages in Malaysia include:

1. Limited camping sites:Due to great demand of camping activities after pandemic of covid 19 , Malaysia has a limited number of designated camping sites, which can make it difficult for travel agents to find suitable locations to include in their packages.
   
   
2. Environmental concerns: Travel agents must take care to ensure that the camping packages they promote are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
   
   
3. Weather: Unpredictable weather can affect camping plans and make it difficult for travel agents to guarantee a positive experience for clients.
   
   
4. Safety: Safety is a major concern when it comes to camping, and travel agents must ensure that the camping packages they promote are safe for clients.
   
   
5. Regulation: Travel Agents must make sure the venues are registered by the authority. 
   
   
6. Lack of awareness: Many Malaysians are not familiar with camping as a leisure activity, this can make it difficult for travel agents to attract customers.
   
   
7. Limited information: Lack of information and lack of resources can make it difficult for travel agents to promote camping packages effectively.limited information  on numbers of designated camping sites that are proven safe and approved by local council (PBT)- Zoning for camping 
   
   
8. Differentiation: There are so many types of camping , Travel agents must differentiate their camping packages from others in the market to attract customers, this can be challenging as camping is still not a well-known activity.
   
   

China allows their citizens to go to 20 countries including Malaysia from 6th February onward .

More than 155 millions trips worldwide have been recorded by China tourist in 2019 and Malaysia only received 3.1 millions in 2019 .

It’s a huge market for inbound tour operators .

Recently , our Tourism Minister Dato Seri Tiong King Sing has targeted 5 millions Chinese tourist to visit Malaysia this year .

If you are interested in this huge market , below are some tips before you start to promote in China market.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand the characteristics of Chinese tourists.

Chinese tourists are hyperconnected, mostly don’t speak any other languages than Mandarin (or Cantonese for the Southern Chinese), and they often travel in groups.

By keeping these characteristics in mind, you can tailor your approach to better reach and attract Chinese tourists to your tours. One effective way to attract Chinese tourists is through digital marketing.

This includes advertising through search engines like Baidu, Inc., which has nearly 80% market share in China.

Additionally, you can optimize your website for SEO on Baidu, as well as create engaging content on WeChat and 抖音 (TikTok) to attract Chinese tourists.

Using payment gateway like WeChat Pay and Alipay will also make it easier for the tourists to make transactions.

The Chinese characters might seem daunting at first, but the cross-language translations apps are getting better.

One other key strategy is to offer free wifi in your place of business or tour location. This is especially important because Chinese tourists are known for being heavily reliant on their mobile devices for information and communication.

By offering free wifi, you’re providing them with a valuable service that will make them more likely to choose your tour or business over others. This can be helpful in the event that Google Translate is necessary for your guide to communicate with the guests (this is still one of the best tools to bridge cross lingual communications)

While language is one big barrier, you can make the guests feel like they’re at home by providing amenities that are considered essential by “normal” Chinese tour companies

This can be in the form of disposable slippers, hot water, loose Chinese tea, and (yes!) instant cup noodles. Make sure these are advertised as “included” services.

Finally, it’s worth noting that as Chinese tourists travel further and more frequently, destinations that truly understand and cater to their needs will be the most successful in attracting them.

This means not only offering a great tour or service, but also understanding the key dates of the Chinese holiday calendar and preparing in advance (Spring Festival and Golden Week comes immediately to mind).

This can be in the form of your ad spending, as well as making sure you have enough logistics to cope with the demand.

In conclusion, attracting Chinese tourists to your tours without speaking Mandarin may seem like a daunting task, but by understanding their characteristics, offering familiar amenities, localizing your business and using digital marketing strategies, you can tap into this valuable market and attract more Chinese tourists to your tours.

As a business owner or inbound tour operator, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve and explore new ways to attract Chinese tourists. With the right approach, you can capitalize on the growing number of Chinese outbound tourists and bring new business to your destination.

Here are some strategies for attracting Chinese tourists even if you are just starting out and don’t speak Mandarin:

1. Partner with a Chinese tour operator or travel agency: Partnering with a local Chinese tour operator or travel agency can help you reach Chinese tourists and provide them with the necessary language and cultural support. Let me know if you are interested to know Chinese tour operators .
   
   
2. Use social media platforms popular in China: Platforms like WeChat and Douyin (TikTok) are popular in China and can be used to reach Chinese tourists. Create engaging content and optimize your social media accounts for SEO in Mandarin.
   
   
3. Use a Chinese-language website or mobile app: Chinese tourists may prefer to book tours or services through a website or app that is available in Mandarin.
   
   
4. Offer Chinese-language customer service: If possible, provide Chinese-language customer service through live chat or a customer service hotline.
   
   
5. Offer Chinese-language guides or brochures: Chinese tourists may prefer to have information about your tours or services in Mandarin.
   
   
6. Offer Chinese-style amenities: Offer Chinese-style amenities such as disposable slippers, hot water, and instant cup noodles.
   
   
7. Accept Chinese mobile payments: Chinese tourists may prefer to use mobile payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay, so make sure to accept these payment methods.
   
   
8. Offer Chinese-style tour packages: Offer Chinese-style tour packages that cater to Chinese tourists’ preferences and interests.
   
   
9. Understand Chinese holidays and peak travel times: Chinese tourists often travel during Chinese holidays such as Spring Festival and Golden Week, so it’s important to be prepared for the increased demand during these times.
   
   

By implementing these strategies, you can increase your chances of attracting Chinese tourists even if you don’t speak Mandarin.

For step by step in these strategies , I will be sharing at https://tourismgamechanger.com/nets

Insyallah , I will be also organising few roadshows in China this year. Do join the roadshow for you to understand better the requirement of the Chinese tourists

Let’s create good experiences for Chinese Tourists and aim for 5 millions Chinese tourist arrivals in Malaysia.

Malaysia’s tourism industry relies heavily on the transportation sector, with tour buses playing a crucial role in transporting tourists to various destinations. However, Malaysian tour operators has led to several problems especially in getting bus drivers.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, with travel restrictions and lockdowns leading to a significant decline in tourism. One of the challenges faced by the industry is a shortage of tour bus drivers, with many local drivers changing careers due to the economic impact of the pandemic.

Estimate more than 6,000 tour busses on the road ( refer to the table below )

Through MITA’s survey as of 26th January , there are 265 tour busses companies who are looking for 2,000 tour bus drivers to be employed .

This is a major problem ! The shortage of tour bus drivers is becoming a major concern for the tourism industry, as it can lead to a number of problems that can negatively impact the industry.

One of the major problems that can arise from the shortage of tour bus drivers is a reduction in the number of tours and excursions that are offered. This can result in a decrease in the number of tourists that are able to visit a particular destination, which can have a significant impact on the local economy. This can cause a negative ripple effect, leading to a decrease in revenue for local businesses and a loss of jobs in the community.

Another problem that can arise from the shortage of tour bus drivers is an increase in the cost of tours and excursions. With fewer drivers available, tour operators may have to pay higher wages to attract and retain drivers, which can lead to an increase in the cost of tours and excursions. I was told that some of the tour bus drivers demand at least 20% of tour bus sales . This will add on more to the cost of the ground handling package.

As the result , it can make our ground packages less affordable for tourists, leading to a decrease in demand for these services.

The shortage of tour bus drivers can also lead to a decrease in the quality of service that tourists receive. With fewer drivers available, tour operators may have to rely on less experienced or less qualified drivers, which can lead to a decrease in the quality of service that tourists receive. This can result in a negative experience for tourists, which can lead to a decrease in repeat business and a negative reputation for the destination.

so what is the SOLUTION ???

I personally think to address this problem, it’s important to consider both short-term and long-term solutions.

SHORT TERM SOLUTION :

One of the most immediate solutions to the problem of tour bus driver shortages is to bring in foreign workers as tour bus drivers. This can help to fill the gap in the short-term and ensure that the tourism industry can continue to operate smoothly. However, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of this solution, and put in place the necessary measures to ensure that it is viable and sustainable.

There are so many debates on getting foreign workers as tour bus drivers . I can understand the concerns of Rakyat Malaysia and some of the travel players.

Some even gave an unrealistic feedback such as ” PEKERJA ASING NI BUSUK AND KENA GUNA PERFUME YANG BANYAK UNTUK SPRAY DALAM BAS ” That was actually an uncalled excuse.

However, I do agree the fact that hiring of foreign tour bus drivers by Malaysian tour operators has led to other several problems such as belows:

Language barriers can create communication difficulties between the driver , tour guide and even tourists, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction. This can also be a safety concern, as the driver may not be able to understand or communicate important instructions or information.

Another issue is that foreign drivers may not be familiar with the local laws and regulations, which can lead to legal problems and fines. They may also not be familiar with the roads and traffic conditions, which can lead to accidents and delays.

The hiring of foreign drivers also raises concerns about the employment opportunities for local drivers. Many Malaysian drivers feel that they are being pushed out of the industry by the influx of foreign drivers who are willing to work for lower wages.

.. but again , many players feel that there is no other realistic short term solution other than getting foreign workers as tour bus driver.

Through or survey recently , in order to overcome this shortage ; it’s important for the government of Malaysia to consider allowing travel agents to bring in foreign workers as tour bus drivers. There are some advantages when we employ the foreign workers as tour bus drivers for short term.

It will open up more job opportunities for locals. The tourism industry is closely related to many other industries and by allowing more foreign tour bus drivers, it will increase the demand for other services like accommodation, food and beverages, and transportation. This will create more job opportunities for locals in these industries, and will help to boost the local economy.

Furthermore, bringing in foreign tour bus drivers can also serve as a catalyst for the locals to improve their skills and knowledge in the field of tourism, as they can learn from the foreign workers and gain new perspectives. This will help to improve the overall quality of service in the tourism industry, and will attract more tourists to Malaysia in the future.

In addition, by allowing more foreign workers as tour bus drivers, it will also help to increase the diversity of the tourism industry, making it more inclusive and welcoming to tourists from different backgrounds. This will help to boost the reputation of Malaysia as a tourism destination, and will attract more tourists in the future.

Allowing travel agents to bring in foreign workers as tour bus drivers can not only provide a solution to the shortage of tour bus drivers in Malaysia, but also open up more job opportunities for locals, and improve the overall quality of service in the tourism industry. It will also help to boost the reputation of Malaysia as a tourism destination and attract more tourists in the future. The government of Malaysia should collaborate with MITA to provide training for foreign workers and ensure that the process is done in compliance with laws and regulations.

Here are some key points to consider why we should implement this short term solution:

• Lack of local tour bus drivers: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant decline in tourism and a corresponding decline in the number of tour bus drivers. Many local drivers have changed careers due to the economic impact of the pandemic.
  
  
• Foreign workers can fill the gap: Allowing travel agents to bring in foreign workers as tour bus drivers can help to overcome the shortage of local drivers and ensure that the tourism industry can continue to operate.
  
  
• Experienced and qualified: Many foreign workers who are interested in working as tour bus drivers in Malaysia are experienced and qualified professionals who have worked in the industry for many years.
  
  
• Language skills: Some foreign workers may also have language skills that can be of great benefit to the tourism industry in Malaysia, helping to communicate with tourists from different countries and backgrounds.
  
  
• Contributes to the economy: By allowing travel agents to bring in foreign workers as tour bus drivers, the government of Malaysia can help to ensure that the tourism industry continues to contribute to the economy by providing jobs and income.
  
  
• Cost-effective solution: Allowing travel agents to bring in foreign workers as tour bus drivers can be a cost-effective solution for the tourism industry, as travel agents can handle the process of recruiting and hiring foreign workers.
  
  
• Carefully selected: Travel agents can carefully select qualified and experienced foreign workers who will be able to perform the duties of a tour bus driver effectively
  
  .
• Compliance with laws and regulations: It’s important for the government to make sure that travel agents comply with all relevant laws and regulations when bringing in foreign workers, to ensure the safety and well-being ofthe workers and the tourists they will be transporting. This includes providing proper accommodation and fair compensation, as well as ensuring compliance with immigration laws.
  
  
• Cultural sensitivity: Foreign workers should be trained in cultural sensitivity and understanding of the local customs and culture in Malaysia, to ensure that they provide a high level of service to tourists and act as ambassadors for the country.
  
• Safety and security: The government must ensure that foreign workers meet the necessary safety and security standards for operating tour buses in Malaysia.
  
  

Therefore in view of the above points , Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) can play a key role in providing proper training for foreign bus drivers. MITA can ensure that foreign workers are properly trained and equipped to provide a high level of service to tourists and to operate tour buses safely and efficiently.

This includes providing training on local laws and regulations, as well as training on cultural sensitivity and understanding of local customs and culture. MITA can also provide training on the specific routes and destinations that the tour buses will be operating in, as well as training on proper vehicle maintenance and safety procedures.

By providing proper training for foreign bus drivers, MITA can ensure that the tourism industry in Malaysia continues to operate smoothly and safely, while providing a positive experience for tourists. This will in turn help to maintain a positive image of Malaysia as a tourist destination and will attract more tourists in the future.

In addition, providing proper training will also help to ensure that foreign workers are fully prepared to perform their duties as tour bus drivers and can be a valuable asset to the tourism industry in Malaysia. The government of Malaysia should support and collaborate with MITA to provide training for foreign workers as tour bus drivers.

What about LONG TERM SOLUTION ?

While bringing in foreign workers can help in the short-term, it is not a long-term solution. In order to address the underlying issues that are causing the shortage of drivers, it’s important to consider long-term solutions.

One of the most effective long-term solutions is to offer incentives to attract and retain drivers. This can include higher wages, benefits, and training programs to make the job more attractive to local workers. Providing more opportunities for career advancement for drivers, such as training programs and leadership development, can also help to retain drivers and attract new ones.

Another important solution is to encourage more young people to pursue careers as tour bus drivers, by targeted education and outreach efforts. By creating a pipeline of future drivers, the shortage of tour bus drivers can be mitigated in the long-term.

Finally, investing in technology such as autonomous buses can also help to mitigate the effects of the driver shortage in the long-term. This technology is still in the early stages of development, but as it advances, it could potentially help to reduce the need for human drivers.

In summary :

Short-term Solutions:

One of the most immediate solutions to the problem of tour bus driver shortages is to bring in foreign workers as tour bus drivers. This can help to fill the gap in the short-term and ensure that the tourism industry can continue to operate smoothly. However, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of this solution, and put in place the necessary measures to ensure that it is viable and sustainable.

Long-term Solutions:

1. Offering incentives to attract and retain drivers: This can include higher wages, benefits, and training programs to make the job more attractive to local workers.
   
   
2. Providing more opportunities for career advancement for drivers: Offering training programs and leadership development can help to retain drivers and attract new ones.
   
   
3. Encouraging more young people to pursue careers as tour bus drivers: Targeted education and outreach efforts can help to create a pipeline of future drivers.
   
   
4. Investing in technology: Autonomous buses can help to mitigate the effects of the driver shortage in the long-term.

wait .. wait !!!! …..some of you may notice on number 4 solution …AUTONOMOUS BUSSES ??

What the heck is that ???

For your information , Autonomous buses, also known as self-driving buses or driverless buses, are buses that are equipped with technology that allows them to operate without a human driver. This technology includes a combination of sensors, cameras, GPS, and advanced algorithms that allow the bus to navigate and make decisions on its own.

The most advanced autonomous buses are able to navigate through complex traffic situations, make lane changes, and avoid obstacles without human input. They can also communicate with other vehicles and traffic infrastructure, such as traffic lights, to optimize their routes and improve safety.

There are several benefits to using autonomous buses. One of the most significant benefits is that they can help to reduce the need for human drivers, which can help to mitigate the effects of the driver shortage in the transportation industry. They can also improve safety by reducing the likelihood of human error, which is a common cause of accidents.

Additionally, autonomous buses can also be more efficient than traditional buses, as they can navigate through traffic more quickly and make more precise maneuvers. This can help to reduce travel times and improve the overall efficiency of the transportation system.

Currently, several countries are testing and implementing autonomous buses on the road, such as Singapore, China, and several European countries. However, the technology is still in the early stages of development, and widespread adoption may take some years.

WOWW !! When can we expect it on the road ?

It is difficult to predict exactly when driverless buses will be on the roads of Malaysia, as it depends on a number of factors such as the availability of the technology, the readiness of the infrastructure, and the regulatory environment.

However, I was told that the Government of Malaysia has shown interest in the implementation of autonomous vehicle technology and have been taking steps to promote the development and implementation of autonomous vehicles in the country. The government is also working on creating a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles and is considering pilot projects to test the technology in real-world scenarios.

It is likely that we will see pilot projects of autonomous buses in Malaysia in the near future, but widespread deployment of the technology will likely take several more years. It also depends on the level of autonomy, as lower level of autonomy can be implemented earlier than higher level of autonomy.

It’s worth noting that the deployment of autonomous buses will require a significant investment in technology and infrastructure, as well as the development of the necessary regulations and guidelines. The progress will also depend on the readiness of the local industry and the availability of local talent to support the development and deployment of the technology.

It is likely that we will see pilot projects of autonomous buses in Malaysia in the near future, but widespread deployment of the technology will likely take several more years. It’s also depend on the level of autonomy and the readiness of the local industry and the availability of local talent.

Some of the countries that have made significant progress in this area include:

1. Singapore: Singapore has been a leader in the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles, and has been testing autonomous buses since 2016. They have already deployed several autonomous buses on public roads, and plans to expand the fleet in the coming years.
   
   
2. Netherlands: The Netherlands has been testing autonomous buses in the city of Amsterdam since 2018, and plans to expand the fleet in the coming years. The city of Eindhoven has also been testing autonomous buses in the city center since 2019.
   
   
3. China: China has been testing autonomous buses in several cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. They have already deployed several autonomous buses on public roads and have plans to expand the fleet in the coming years.
   
   
4. France: In France, several cities have been testing autonomous buses, such as Rouen, Strasbourg, and La Rochelle. The French government has also been working on developing a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles.
   
   
5. United States: The United States has been testing autonomous buses in several cities, including Las Vegas, Houston, and San Ramon. Companies like Waymo and Tesla have also been working on developing autonomous bus technology.

Singapore has started it ..

even in China too..

I’m not sure when can we will see it happening in Malaysia but we have to prepare for this disruption.

Therefore , It’s important to have a combination of short and long-term solutions to tackle the issue of shortage of tour bus drivers.

In the short term, bringing in foreign workers as tour bus drivers can help to fill the gap and ensure that the tourism industry continues to operate smoothly.

However, in the long-term, it’s important to address the underlying issues that are causing the shortage of drivers, by offering incentives, providing opportunities for career advancement, and investing in technology.

P.S : MITA’s survey on Foreign Workers for Tour Bus Drivers is still on going . For travel agents who require the bus drivers , please fill in the form at https://form.jotform.com/malaysiatourism/busdrivers

So sad …

Sad to know there were a mass shooting in California where there were 10 people shot dead during the victims were celebrating Chinese New Year at a dance studio at Monteray Park California.

I had an opportunity to stay for a week last week in the area of Alhamra which is nearby to Monteray Park and never in my crazy mind that I thought the area was dangerous . I was really enjoying myself with the nice neighbourhood and the surrounding.

I was told shortly after the attack , the gunman showed up at the studio in Alhamra. Really scarry to come to think of it.

My heart goes out to the victims affected by the senseless mass . I cannot imagine the pain that so many families were experiencing after the mass shooting tragedy .

I hope the residents of Monteray Park and Alhamra stays resillient and stronger together.