January 2023

If you have been in a foreign country for a week , normally you will crave your own food and starts to search for Malaysian Restaurants. This what happen to me when I arrived in Los Angeles since last week .

When you check out the restaurant at Trip Advisor , looks like there are not much choices.

Of course in the beginning , if you search , there are tons of the listing but only few are actually Malaysia such as Ipon Kopitiam and Belacan Grill.. but these are the genuine Malaysian Restaurants…. such a pity for a big market .

and I believe its important for the respective market to sample our foods as we have a fantastic type of foods ..

We know that Malaysian cuisine is a delicious and diverse blend of flavors, with influences from Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures.

However, it is not as well-known or widely available in the United States as other Asian cuisines such as Chinese or Japanese or even Thais . But with an increasing number of Malaysians living in America, it’s becoming more common to see Malaysian food in the states.

Promoting Malaysian cuisine in the United States may have a positive impact on tourism to Malaysia. When people try and enjoy a cuisine, they often become curious about the culture and country where it originates. If more Americans are exposed to and develop a taste for Malaysian cuisine, they may be more likely to consider visiting Malaysia to experience the food and culture in person.

Additionally, food and culinary tourism is becoming more popular, which means that people are more likely to plan their trips around trying local foods and experiencing different cuisines. By promoting Malaysian cuisine in the United States, it could encourage more Americans to visit Malaysia to experience the food and culture firsthand.

WHY??

There are several reasons why promoting Malaysian cuisine in the United States is a good idea:

1. Cultural exchange: Promoting Malaysian cuisine in the United States can help to promote cultural exchange and understanding between the two countries. It can also help to introduce Americans to the rich and diverse culture of Malaysia.
   
   
2. Unique flavors and ingredients: Malaysian cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavors and use of ingredients such as lemongrass, tamarind, and turmeric. Highlighting these unique elements can help attract people to try the cuisine.
   
   
3. Economic benefits: The food industry is a major contributor to the economy, and promoting Malaysian cuisine in the United States can help to create jobs and boost the economy.
   
   
4. Increase in Food Tourism: By promoting and showcasing the rich flavors and authenticity of Malaysian cuisine, it could attract more food tourists to visit Malaysia.
   
   
5. Representing diversity: America is a melting pot of cultures and promoting Malaysian cuisine in the US, will represent the diversity of the country.
   
   
6. Health benefits: Many traditional Malaysian dishes are made with fresh and healthy ingredients, promoting Malaysian cuisine could also promote healthy eating.

How To Promote Malaysian Cuisine ??

One way to make Malaysian cuisine more popular in the United States is to promote its unique flavors and ingredients. Malaysian cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavors and use of ingredients such as lemongrass, tamarind, and turmeric. Highlighting these unique elements can help attract people to try the cuisine.

Another way to increase the popularity of Malaysian cuisine is to partner with food influencers and bloggers. By working with popular food bloggers and influencers, it can help increase visibility and exposure for Malaysian cuisine. This will allow more people to learn about the food, and try it for themselves.

Organizing food festivals and events that feature Malaysian cuisine is another way to introduce people to the flavors and dishes. Food festivals and events are a great way to introduce people to the flavors and dishes of a cuisine. They allow people to try a variety of different foods and learn about the culture behind the cuisine.

Offering cooking classes and demos is another way to educate people about the cuisine and teach them how to make popular Malaysian dishes at home. This will also allow people to try the dishes they learn to make and see how they can replicate it at home.

Promoting Malaysian cuisine in the United States can help to increase awareness of the country and its culture, which could help to increase tourism in the long run.

In conclusion, promoting Malaysian cuisine in the United States can be a great way to increase tourism to Malaysia.

By showcasing the unique flavors and ingredients of the cuisine and working with food influencers and bloggers, it is possible to increase awareness and appreciation of Malaysian cuisine in the United States.

This can lead to more Americans visiting Malaysia to experience the food and culture firsthand.

so as a conclusion , I personally think that it’s important to promote Malaysian cuisine in all international big market such as in US market

DO YOU KNOW THAT ???

In the years before Covid, China was the world’s most important source of international travelers. Its 155 million tourists spent more than a quarter of a trillion dollars beyond its borders in 2019. 

China averaged about 12 million outbound air passengers per month in 2019 and Malaysia only received 3.1 Chinese tourist per year in 2019 where else Thailand received 11 millions Chinese tourists in 2019 .

That largesse fell precipitously over the past three years as the country essentially closed its borders. But, as China opens on 8th January , millions of tourists are poised to return to the world stage, raising hopes of a rebound for the global hospitality industry. 

I think although international travel may not return immediately to pre-pandemic levels, companies, industries and countries that rely on Chinese tourists will get a boost in 2023

I was told by our counterpart in China that searches for international flights and accommodations immediately hit a three-year high on trip.com platform .

Bookings for overseas travel during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, which falls between January 21 and January 27 this year, have soared by 540% from a year ago, according to data from the Chinese travel site and average spending per booking jumped 32%.

I think that this trend of REVENGE TOURISM will be a huge opportunities for tourism players . But unfortunately , Malaysia is not one of the top search for Chinese tourist.

The top destinations for Chinese tourist are in the Asia Pacific region, including Australia, Thailand, Japan and Hong Kong. The United States and the United Kingdom also ranked among the top 10

Southeast Asian countries like Thailand , Indonesia , Singapore and Philippines have kept entry rules relatively relaxed for Chinese tourists, despite the record Covid-19 outbreak that has swept through China in recent weeks. They will surely benefit from this boom

When I arrived in Los Angeles International Airport recently , I found that there were at least 4 flights from China arrived at the same time and I didn’t see any new SOP or restriction on Chinese tourist . So I assume US also welcome them by not making any testing requirement.

New Zealand has also waived testing requirements for Chinese visitors, who were the second largest source of tourist revenue for the country before the pandemic.

I strongly believe that Chinese tourist are the great opportunities for Malaysia as we can accelerate our country’s economic recovery. I believe that tourism industry can strengthen our economy in 2023 .

Chinese travellers have money and will to spend . If any country not easily accessible , they will spend somewhere else .

So it’s up to us to welcome Chinese tourist and make it easier for them to spend money in Malaysia.

Now back to the question – Should we welcome Chinese tourist to Malaysia ?? What say you ?

When I came to LA last week , while looking some ideas on how to promote Malaysia in US market , i bumped into this guy .. His name is Alex Hormozi . He is a successful entrepreneur and fitness expert… and a good marketeer .

Alex Hormozi is a highly experienced marketer and business consultant who has a deep understanding of the American market and how to successfully market products and services to consumers in the United States. I think Malaysian tourism players can learn one or two tips on how to promote Malaysia in US market

His marketing strategies and techniques have been proven to be effective in helping businesses expand into the American market and increase their market share.

I think by following his advice on how to market Malaysia in the American market, Malaysian tour operators , DMC or any Malaysian companies can tap into the vast potential of the US market and reach a wider audience.

Additionally, his strategies are tailored to the unique cultural and economic factors that influence consumer behavior in the US, making them particularly effective in reaching and engaging American consumers.

One of the key points that Hormozi emphasizes is the importance of providing a clean and well-maintained environment for tourists. This includes not only the physical cleanliness of the premises, but also ensuring that all facilities and amenities are in good working order. A clean and well-maintained environment can go a long way in creating a positive impression on tourists and making them feel more comfortable and welcome.

Another important aspect that Hormozi highlights is the need to offer a wide range of services and amenities to tourists. This includes providing a variety of accommodation options, as well as activities and excursions that cater to different interests and preferences. By offering a diverse range of services and amenities, tourism businesses can attract a wider range of customers and increase their appeal to a broader market.

Hormozi also suggests that entrepreneurs in the Malaysian tourism industry should focus on promoting their businesses through word of mouth. Meaning word of mouth is through social media with good reviews and testimonies.

This type of promotion is very effective, as it relies on satisfied customers to spread the word about their positive experiences to friends and family. By providing excellent service and going above and beyond to meet the needs of their customers, tourism businesses can encourage positive word-of-mouth promotion and build a strong reputation in the industry.

Alex provide valuable advice to Malaysian tour operators on how to create effective and enjoyable tour packages for American tourists.

He suggests that tour operators should focus on providing a personalized and authentic experience for American tourists by highlighting the unique cultural and historical aspects of Malaysia.

By providing an immersive and educational experience, tour operators can give American tourists a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country.

Additionally, Hormozi advises tour operators to tailor their packages to cater to the specific interests and preferences of American tourists such as eco-tourism, adventure and luxury, by offering a wide range of activities and excursions that align with those interests.

Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of providing excellent customer service, which can help create a positive image of Malaysia and encourage repeat visits from American tourists.

What 3 things i learned from him …????

ok i lied … I learned more than 3 tips.. here goes

• 1. Provide a clean and well-maintained environment for tourists to create a positive impression and make them feel comfortable.
  
  
• 2. Offer a wide range of services and amenities, such as different types of accommodation and activities, to attract a diverse range of customers.
  
  
• 3. Tailor tour packages to the specific interests and preferences of American tourists, such as eco-tourism, adventure and luxury, by offering a wide range of activities and excursions that align with those interests.
  
  
• 4. Highlight the unique cultural and historical aspects of Malaysia to provide an immersive and educational experience for American tourists.
  
  
• 5. Provide excellent customer service to create a positive image of Malaysia and encourage repeat visits.
  
  
• 6. Promote business through word of mouth by providing excellent service and going above and beyond to meet the needs of customers.
  
  
• 7. Be flexible and open to feedback and suggestions from American tourists to continuously improve tour packages and services.
  
  
• 8. Keep up to date with the latest trends and developments in the American tourism market to stay competitive.
  
  
• 9. Network and collaborate with other tour operators and industry professionals to gain insight and share best practices.
  
  
• 10. Continuously measure and evaluate the effectiveness of the tour packages, and make necessary changes to improve them.

Overall, Alex Hormozi’s advice to entrepreneurs in the Malaysian tourism industry highlights the importance of providing a clean and well-maintained environment, offering a wide range of services and amenities, and promoting businesses through word of mouth. By following these strategies, tourism businesses can attract more American customers and build a strong reputation in the industry

To know more how to promote your services and packages in US market , I will be sharing more tips at https://tourismgamechanger.com/nets

WHY AMERICAN TOURISTS PREFER TO GO TO THAILAND INSTEAD OF MALAYSIA ???

If I ask any of Malaysian this question , most probably they will say ,its because of SEX ,WOMEN or STRIP BAR which are easily available in Thailand and not in Malaysia . Some of us will also say it because of CANNABIS are allowed in Thailand and not in Malaysia ..and we think thats the reason why American tourist prefer to go to Thailand instead to Malaysia.

….but if i ask this questions to any American travel agents, they will reply with the below reasons :

1. Beautiful beaches: Thailand has many beautiful beaches with crystal clear water and white sandy shores, making it an ideal place for beach lovers.
   
2. Affordable prices: Thailand is generally an affordable country to visit, with relatively low prices for accommodation, food, and other necessities.
   
3. Rich culture: Thailand has a rich and unique culture that attracts many visitors. There are many temples, palaces, and other cultural sites to visit, as well as opportunities to experience traditional Thai music, dance, and other forms of entertainment.
   
4. Friendly people: Thai people are known for their hospitality and friendly nature, which makes visitors feel welcome and at home.
   
5. Delicious food: Thailand is renowned for its delicious food, with a wide range of dishes to choose from, including curries, noodles, and tropical fruits.

Let’s check out the survey done by BBC why are thousands of Americans flying to Thailand which is the other side of the world, and facing long layovers in foreign airports, when there are other easier-to-reach sunny spots closer to home such as Mexico and European ?

REASON no 1 : Thailand Is Much Cheaper Than Other Sunny Spots In The Western Hemisphere

Even though LUXURY TRAVEL is on the rise , many of them are actively seeking cheaper alternatives to the overpriced beaches of Mexico and Europe, even if that means longer, more complicated journeys and places where they can still indulge in some luxury, but at a much lower cost. As it turns out, Thailand is very affordable to visit.

In general, Thailand is  65% less expensive than the U.S.: when staying a whole month, guests can expect to pay an average of USD $742, as opposed to USD $2,112

REASON no 2 : Thailand Has Vast Cultural Wealth

Thailand’s natural wonders and millennia-old culture precede it: from spotless beaches made famous   by Hollywood classics to intricately-built, historical Buddhist temples to open-air markets where mouth-watering street food can be sampled, it has enough points of interest to keep visitors busy for weeks on end.

REASON no 3 : One of Thailand’s strongest assets is NATURE

According to the survey , nearly 60% of travelers in 2023 will be looking to completely disconnect from their phones and explore the great outdoors when vacationing abroad, and Thailand’s tropical forests and crystal clear coastline is surely a good starting point.

REASON no 4 : Rich Cultural Experience

Now more than ever, vacationers are also favoring deeper cultural immersions, and staying safe behind the walls of their gated villas or resorts is NO LONGER an enticing thought for some. Thailand is ready to accommodate their needs, offering a whole range of off-path activities that will help Americans understand the Thai way of life a bit better.

The survey asserted that travelers’ priorities moving forward are CULTURAL and SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL .

91% of Americans and Europeans crave ‘culture and heritage’, and 72% are environmentally-conscious.

To the American tourist , Thailand is a PERFECT DESTINATION for the above reasons..

now , do you think MALAYSIA can offer the same ?? If we can , why are we behind in American tourist arrivals compare to Thailand ?? Any logical reason beside lack of MARKETING BUDGET ?

We all know that Malaysia too can offer fantastic cultural experience through homestay in Malaysia.

According to wikipedia statistic , more than 462,000 American visits Thailand in 2022 as of 31st December 2022. I was told that Malaysia received estimate 100,000 American tourists last year .. so why the difference ? Why are we behind in numbers of American tourist arrival comparing to Thailand ?

Are we not market Malaysia enough or was it not many flight available to Malaysia?? or are we not attractive enough for Americans to visit Malaysia ?? What do you think?? This year’s mission :Can we improve the number of tourist arrival from US ??

Please share your thought in the comments column below :