Tourism, often referred to as the lifeblood of economies worldwide, plays an instrumental role in shaping nations’ economic landscapes. In the case of Malaysia, this industry is not just a facet of development; it’s a powerhouse driving job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and overall socioeconomic progress. However, recent rankings signal the need for a proactive stance. Let’s delve into how tourism impacts Malaysia’s economy and explore practical solutions to bolster its growth.
The Economic Significance of Tourism in Malaysia
Tourism is not just about leisure; it’s a catalyst for economic transformation.
In Malaysia, this sector significantly contributes to job creation, a vital component of any thriving economy. From hotel staff to tour guides, the tourism industry provides diverse employment opportunities that uplift communities across the nation.
Furthermore, tourism brings in foreign exchange earnings. International visitors inject money into local businesses, stimulating various sectors from hospitality to transportation. These earnings bolster Malaysia’s balance of payments and strengthen its financial position on the global stage.
The Reality Check: Malaysia’s Tourism Competitiveness
Despite these significant contributions, Malaysia finds itself at a pivotal juncture.
The World Competitiveness Ranking of 2023 ranks Malaysia 63rd out of 64 economies based on tourism receipts data. This ranking serves as a wake-up call, signaling the imperative for industry players to be proactive in propelling Malaysia’s tourism sector forward.
Let’s explore 10 pragmatic solutions, fortified with real-life examples, that can steer Malaysia’s tourism journey towards growth and prosperity.
**Enhance Marketing Efforts:Solution: Launch innovative marketing campaigns that tap into Malaysia’s unique cultural, historical, and natural riches.Example: Iceland’s “Inspired by Iceland” campaign cleverly blends stunning landscapes with cultural experiences, showcasing the nation’s essence beyond its famed landscapes
Diversify Offerings:Solution: Develop a diverse range of tourism products catering to various interests, from cultural aficionados to thrill-seekers.Example: India’s Kerala, known for its backwaters, embraced adventure tourism. This diversification attracted adventure enthusiasts alongside its traditional tourists.
Invest in Infrastructure:Solution: Modernize transportation networks, improve road connectivity, and upgrade amenities to enhance visitor convenience.Example: Dubai’s meticulous investment in state-of-the-art infrastructure transformed it into a global hub, attracting both business and leisure travelers.
Embrace Technology:Solution: Leverage digital platforms for seamless booking, personalized experiences, and real-time engagement.Example: Airbnb’s online platform revolutionized lodging, providing travelers with unique local stays and boosting hosts’ income.
Foster Collaboration:Solution: Forge strong partnerships among government entities, private sector players, and local communities for holistic growth.Example: New Zealand’s “Pure New Zealand” campaign, driven by collaborative efforts, consistently draws travelers to its awe-inspiring landscapes.
Skill Enhancement Programs:Solution: Implement training programs to enhance the skills of tourism professionals, elevating the overall quality of visitor experiences.Example: Thailand’s “Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration” program trains tourism workers to ensure visitor safety and well-being.
Elevate Sustainability:Solution: Promote rural tourism that empowers local communities, preserving cultural heritage and fostering sustainable development.Example: Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness approach emphasizes sustainable tourism, benefiting both visitors and local communities.
Cultural Experiences:Solution: Highlight authentic cultural interactions, encouraging travelers to engage with local traditions, crafts, and ways of life.Example: Japan’s tea ceremonies offer tourists a chance to participate in a revered tradition, creating an immersive cultural experience.
Community Involvement:Solution: Integrate local communities into the tourism value chain, promoting grassroots entrepreneurship and enhancing the sense of ownership.Example: Peru’s indigenous communities engage tourists through homestays, handicrafts, and guided tours, fostering economic growth.
Environmental Responsibility:Solution: Implement eco-friendly practices to showcase Malaysia’s commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism.Example: Costa Rica’s emphasis on ecotourism led to the preservation of its rich biodiversity while offering visitors immersive natural experiences.
Empowering Rural Communities: A Sustainable Approach
Empowering rural communities through tourism offers a win-win solution. Tourists gain authentic experiences, and local communities reap economic benefits.
Example: In Vietnam’s Sapa region, tourists participate in homestays with local families, immersing themselves in the daily life of ethnic minority groups. This not only generates income but preserves traditions, empowering rural communities.
Each step, inspired by global successes, has the potential to transform Malaysia into a sought-after destination, bolstering both its economy and cultural heritage. The journey towards a vibrant and competitive tourism landscape begins with collective determination and innovative implementation.
Let’s be united in empowering tourism to play a significant role in Malaysia’s economy.
The Austin Powers films have made extensive use of Bacharach’s music, including some of his most famous hits such as “What the World Needs Now is Love,” “Close to You,” and “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.”
Burt Bacharach is a legendary composer and songwriter who has left an indelible mark on the world of music and pop culture. His contribution to the world of music is immeasurable, and his influence has reached far and wide, affecting not just the world of music, but also travel and tourism.
Bacharach’s music is renowned for its sophisticated melodies, catchy hooks, and innovative arrangements. His work has been described as a fusion of jazz, classical, and pop, and his songs have been covered by numerous artists, both contemporary and classic. His music is timeless, and continues to be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
One of the ways that Burt Bacharach’s music has influenced travel and tourism is through its depiction of various destinations. Many of his songs have been inspired by the places he has visited and the people he has met, and he has captured the essence of these destinations in his music. For example, “What the World Needs Now is Love” is a timeless classic that has been recorded by countless artists and continues to evoke feelings of hope and optimism. This song is a perfect example of how Burt Bacharach’s music has captured the spirit of the world and inspired people to travel and see new places.
Burt Bacharach’s music has influenced travel and tourism is through its use in movies, television shows, and commercials. His music has been used in countless productions, and has helped to evoke a sense of place, mood, and atmosphere. For example, the song “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” has been used in numerous movies, and its timeless quality has helped to create a nostalgic and romantic mood that has inspired people to travel and see the world.
His music has been used in numerous commercials and advertisements to evoke feelings of nostalgia, romance, and hope. For example, his song “Close to You” has been used in commercials for travel and tourism companies, and its catchy melody and romantic lyrics have helped to evoke feelings of wanderlust and inspired people to travel and see the world.
Bacharach’s music has also inspired numerous tribute albums, concerts, and musicals, and his songs continue to be popular in live performances and concerts around the world. This has helped to keep his music alive and relevant, and has ensured that his legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.
Below are five of Burt Bacharach’s most popular and influential songs in the travel and tourism industry:
1. “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” – This classic song has been widely recognized as one of Burt Bacharach’s most iconic and memorable compositions. Its upbeat and optimistic tone, combined with its memorable melody, has made it a popular choice for travel and tourism advertisements, as it inspires people to explore the world and see all that it has to offer.
2. “Close to You” – This classic song, made famous by the Carpenters, has been used in numerous advertisements and commercials in the travel and tourism industry. Its nostalgic and romantic tone has made it a popular choice for commercials that aim to evoke feelings of hope and inspiration, and its timeless appeal has helped to keep Burt Bacharach’s legacy alive and relevant.
3. “I Say a Little Prayer” – This upbeat and optimistic song has been featured in several films, including the 1997 romantic comedy “My Best Friend’s Wedding.” Its upbeat and positive tone, combined with its memorable melody and timeless appeal, have made it a popular choice for travel and tourism advertisements, as it inspires people to explore the world and see all that it has to offer. The song’s romantic message and upbeat tempo have helped to make it a popular choice for commercials that aim to promote travel and tourism, and its timeless appeal has helped to keep Burt Bacharach’s legacy alive and relevant.
4. “What the World Needs Now Is Love” – This classic song has been widely recognized as one of Burt Bacharach’s most iconic compositions, and its message of love and hope has made it a popular choice for commercials that aim to evoke feelings of positivity and inspiration. Its upbeat and optimistic tone has made it a popular choice for travel and tourism advertisements, as it inspires people to explore the world and see all that it has to offer.
5. “Do You Know the Way to San Jose” – This classic song, made famous by Dionne Warwick, has been used in numerous advertisements and commercials in the travel and tourism industry. Its upbeat and positive tone, combined with its memorable melody and timeless appeal, have made it a popular choice for commercials that aim to evoke feelings of hope and inspiration, and its use in advertisements has helped to keep Burt Bacharach’s legacy alive and relevant.
These five songs are just a few examples of Burt Bacharach’s most popular and influential compositions has inspired people to travel and see the world.
Burt Bacharach’s music has left a lasting impact on the world of music, travel, and tourism, and his influence will continue to be felt for many years to come. He was a master of his craft, and his timeless music will continue to evoke feelings of hope, optimism, and romance for generations to come. Burt Bacharach will always be remembered as one of the greatest composers and songwriters of all time, and his music will always be a testament to the power of creativity and inspiration.
May he rest in peace, knowing that his music will continue to touch the lives of people all over the world for many years to come.
Malam 1 Rejab ialah malam mustajabnya doa. Perbanyakkanlah doa yang baik-baik khususnya untuk guru-guru kita, ibubapa, diri sendiri serta ahli keluarga dan juga untuk seluruh umat Islam.
Bulan Rejab merupakan bulan ketujuh dalam tahun Hijrah dan memiliki keutamaan yang penting dalam Islam. Bulan ini juga dipanggil sebagai bulan Mikraj kerana pada bulan ini terdapat peristiwa Israk dan Mikraj. Oleh itu, agama Islam menuntut umatnya untuk menghidupkan bulan ini dengan amalan-amalan ibadat.
Keutamaan bulan Rejab dan amalan yang wajar dilakukan dalam bulan ini boleh didapati melalui Hadis yang pelbagai. Bulan Rejab juga antara bulan yang dimuliakan oleh Islam dengan amalan sebagai persediaan untuk menyambut kedatangan bulan Ramadan. Persediaan dalam menyambut bulan Ramadan dengan meningkatkan amalan pada bulan Rejab adalah amat membantu kepada pembentukan takwa seseorang Mukmin
Peristiwa bulan Rejab
Banyak peristiwa penting yang berlaku dalam sejarah antaranya:
(1) Peristiwa Isra’ Mikraj.
Peristiwa agung 27 Rejab iaitu Baginda Rasulullah S.A.W telah diperjalankan oleh Allah dari Makkah ke Baitul Maqdis di waktu malam dan ketika itu juga sekali lagi dibelahnya dada Baginda Rasul S.A.W. Kemudian diangkatnya Baginda Rasul ke langit bertemu Allah, dan Allah telah memerintahkan kewajipan ibadah solat 5 waktu kepada umat Baginda Rasul.
(2) Penghijrahan pertama ke Habsyah.
Akibat ditekan oleh Musyrikin Makkah, para Sahabat mengadu kepada Baginda Rasulullah S.A.W, lalu Baginda Rasul menyarankan umat Islam berhijrah buat kali pertama ke Wilayah Habsyah walaupun Raja Habsyah ketika itu bukanlah seorang Muslim, namun Raja Habsyah seorang yang baik dan menjamin keselamatan orang Islam.
(3) Peperangan Tabuk.
Berlaku pada tahun 9 Hijrah, dan tiada pertempuran apabila tentera Rom telah melarikan diri kerana takut dan gerun kepada kekuatan serta kecekalan tentera Islam yang sanggup menghadapi sebarang kesukaran, menempuh musim panas, terik, serta lokasi Tabuk yang sangat jauh (di antara Hijjaz dan Syam).
(4) Imam Syafie meninggal dunia.
Beliau merupakan salah seorang dari empat imam mazhab besar dalam dunia feqah dan pengasas kepada Mazhab Syafie. Beliau berasal dari Gaza dan dilahirkan juga pada bulan Rejab tahun 150 Hijrah bersamaan tahun pemergian Imam Abu Hanifah.
(5) Pembebasan kedua Baitul Maqdis.
Tentera Islam yang dipimpin oleh Solahuddin Al-Ayubi telah Berjaya menawan kembali Baitul Maqdis kali kedua (583 Hijrah) menewaskan tentera Salib yang menjajah kawasan tersebut selepas pembukaan pertama oleh Saidina Umar Al-Khattab R.A.
Bulan Rejab merupakan bulan Haram yang merupakan bulan Allah S.W.T. Selaku hamba-Nya, umat Islam wajar membesarkan bulan ini dengan amalan yang dianjurkan dalam Islam untuk mengambil keberkatan.
Ringkasnya, seseorang Muslim boleh memilih untuk beramal mengikut kemampuan mereka masing-masing dengan mengusahakan semaksimum mungkin bagi mendapatkan keberkatan serta keredhaan dari Allah S.W.T dengan memperbanyakkan ibadah.
ALHAMDULILLAH MALAYSIA MASIH AMAN DAN PENGGIAT INDUSTRI BOLEH TERUS MENCARI REZEKI YANG HALAL
Di samping mempromosikan Malaysia , mari lah kita bersyukur dibulan Rejab yang mulia ini ; kita di Malaysia masih aman dan tenteram bukan seperti di negara maju di mana kita boleh ke sana sini dengan tenteram ..
Hari ini di Monterey Park , California US; 10 orang awam (kesemuanya bangsa Asia ) mati di tembak di dalam Dewan Menari Cina yang sedah meraikan Perayaan Tahun Baru Cina.
Ini adalah sangat mengerikan dan menakutkan .
Oleh itu , marilah sama sama kita doakan Malaysia sentiasa aman dan selamat dari tragedi sebegini untuk kita teruskan agenda kita untuk menarik lebih ramai pelancong antarabangsa yang berkualiti dan kita boleh memantapkan ekonomi negara melalui industri pelancongan.
Today’s hot topic is about Chinese tourist from China … Everyone in Malaysia talks about it and all of us has our own opinions. The question is To Accept or Not ??
Before we dive in and answer the question , let’s relax and talk about CHINESE TEA and the relationship between 2 countries .
wait !!!!!…..what Chinese Tea has got to do with the RELATIONSHIP between MALAYSIA and CHINA ?? .. let’s start from beginning :
CHINESE TEA:
In Chinese, the word for tea is “茶” (chá). This character is made up of the radical 艹 (cǎo), which represents grass or plants, and the character 巳 (sì), which is a phonetic component that helps to indicate the pronunciation of the word.
The character 茶 is used to refer to tea in general, but there are also many specific types of Chinese tea, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. Some of the most well-known types of Chinese tea include green tea, oolong tea, black tea, and white tea. These teas are made from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) and are processed in different ways, resulting in teas with different flavors and aromas.
In Chinese culture, tea is more than just a beverage – it is also an important part of the culture and is often associated with relaxation, socialization, and mindfulness. Chinese tea is typically served hot and is often consumed during social gatherings or as a way to relax and unwind after a long day.
DO you know how Chinese tea has changed the world???
Tea has played a central role in Chinese culture and society for thousands of years, and it has influenced the development of other tea-drinking cultures around the world
Tea has been an important commodity in international trade, and the demand for tea has helped to drive economic development in China and other countries that produce tea.
Tea has been credited with having a number of health benefits, and it is thought to have medicinal properties that can help to improve digestion, reduce stress, and boost the immune system.
Tea has played a role in the development of social and cultural customs in many countries, such as the British tradition of afternoon tea and the Japanese tea ceremony .
Tea has been used as a form of currency and has played a role in shaping global political and economic relations. For example, the British East India Company’s monopoly on the tea trade with China played a significant role in the development of global trade routes and the growth of the British Empire.
Since 7th Century ,Chinese tea has a long history of being exported to Europe, and it has played a significant role in shaping global culture and trade.
The first recorded mention of Chinese tea in Europe is thought to have occurred in the early 9th century, when it was described in the writings of a Spanish bishop.
Tea became more widely known in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was introduced to the continent by way of the Middle East.
The British East India Company began importing tea from China in the early 18th century, and tea quickly became a popular beverage in the United Kingdom.
The trade of Chinese tea to Europe increased significantly in the 19th century, and it played a key role in shaping global trade routes and the development of the British Empire.
Today, China is the largest producer of tea in the world, and Chinese tea is exported to countries all over the world, including Europe.
..but wait !! How the heck Chinese tea brought to europe in 7th Century ???
During ancient times, China was a major producer of tea, and this commodity was in high demand in Europe. Tea was often transported to Europe via the Silk Road, which was a network of trade routes that linked Asia with Europe.
The Silk Road was named for the Chinese silk that was traded along these routes, but many other goods were also exchanged, including spices, glassware, and metal goods. Tea was one of the most valuable and sought-after goods that was traded along the Silk Road, and it played a key role in the development of trade between China and Europe.
One way that tea was transported along the Silk Road was in containers made of tin, which was abundant in Malaysia. Tin was a valuable commodity that was highly prized in China and other parts of Asia, and the metal was often used to make a variety of products, including containers for tea.
So, in a way, you could say that Malayan tin played an important role in the trade of Chinese tea to Europe during ancient times, as the containers used to transport the tea were made of tin from Malaysia.
… Malaysia plays an important role in exporting chinese tea to Europe since 7th Century
Tea was highly prized in China and was considered a luxury commodity. It was also in high demand in Europe, where it was valued for its flavor and perceived health benefits. Tea was initially introduced to Europe by way of the Middle East, and it is thought that it was later introduced to the continent via the Silk Road.
The Silk Road was a network of trade routes that linked Asia with Europe, and it played a key role in facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural influences between these regions. Tea was one of the most valuable and sought-after goods that was traded along the Silk Road, and it is thought to have been introduced to Europe by way of this trade network.
As China exported Chinese Tea since ages , there have been many famous figures throughout history who have been known to enjoy Chinese tea, including royalties and artists.
Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom was known to be a fan of Chinese tea, and she popularized the custom of afternoon tea, which involved serving tea and light refreshments in the late afternoon.
The French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was known to be a fan of Chinese tea, and he often included images of tea in his artwork.
The English poet and playwright Oscar Wilde was known to be fond of Chinese tea, and he wrote about tea in his work, including the play “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
The Russian writer Leo Tolstoy was also known to be a fan of Chinese tea, and he often drank tea while writing.
The British statesman and Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli was known to be a fan of Chinese tea, and he is credited with popularizing the custom of drinking tea with milk in the United Kingdom.
Let’s go back to the subject of relationship between CHINA and MALAYSIA….
One of the earliest known forms of contact between the two regions was through the maritime Silk Road, which facilitated trade and cultural exchange between China and Southeast Asia. During this period, there were also periodic migrations of Chinese traders and settlers to Malaysia, which helped to lay the foundation for the large and influential Chinese community that exists in the country today.
We all know that Malacca was a powerful and influential kingdom located on the western coast of Malaysia. The Sultan of Malacca was the ruler of this kingdom, and he played a key role in shaping its history and development.
During the early years of the Malacca Sultanate, the kingdom established diplomatic and trade relations with China, which was then ruled by the Ming Dynasty. The Malacca Sultanate was strategically located along the Strait of Malacca, which was an important trade route connecting China with the rest of Southeast Asia. As a result, the kingdom was able to establish itself as a major trading hub in the region, and it attracted a diverse group of merchants and traders from around the world, including China.
It is clear that the Malacca Sultanate and the Ming Dynasty had a significant and mutually beneficial economic relationship, with trade playing a key role in this relationship.
Many years after that , Malaysia and China established diplomatic relations on May 31, 1974. Prior to this, Malaysia was a part of the British Empire, and relations between the two countries were largely mediated through the United Kingdom.
After Malaysia gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1957, it began to establish diplomatic relations with other countries around the world, including China. In 1974, the two countries officially established diplomatic relations, and since then they have engaged in a range of economic, cultural, and political exchanges.
Over the years, the relationship between Malaysia and China has evolved significantly, and the two countries have a strong and multifaceted relationship that has been mutually beneficial. China is now one of Malaysia’s largest trading partners and is also a significant source of tourists for the country.
In modern times, the relationship between China and Malaysia has evolved significantly. Malaysia gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1957, and since then the two countries have established diplomatic relations and have engaged in a range of economic, cultural, and political exchanges. China is now one of Malaysia’s largest trading partners and is also a significant source of tourists for the country.
Tourism is an important contributor to Malaysia’s economy, and China is a significant source of tourists for the country. According to data from Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, China was the largest source of tourists for Malaysia in 2020, with 3.1 million visitors. This represented a significant portion of Malaysia’s total tourist arrivals for the year, which were approximately 26 millions.
Tourism can have a range of economic impacts, including generating income from the sale of goods and services, creating employment opportunities, and promoting the development of infrastructure. In Malaysia, the tourism industry is estimated to contribute about 14% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
The economic relationship between Malaysia and China goes beyond just tourism. China is also a major trading partner for Malaysia, with bilateral trade between the two countries totaling $103.6 billion in 2020. Malaysia exports a range of goods to China, including electrical and electronic products, palm oil, and rubber, while importing a variety of goods including mechanical and electrical products, textiles, and iron and steel products.
Overall, the economic relationship between Malaysia and China is important and multifaceted, with tourism being just one part of the equation.
China recently announced that it will ease its overseas travel restrictions from Jan 8, which could mean a return of Chinese tourists to the world’s major tourist destinations. Many destinations and markets have long been waiting for the arrival of China tourists, most of whom are considered the big spenders in travel – Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) is already expecting about a million tourists from China in 2023 and the Ministry of Tourism of Malaysia is expecting 6 million Chinese tourist this year which will earned Rm 15.3 billion in revenue .
MITA President Uzaidi Udanis emphasise China is an important market for Malaysia’s tourism industry
Singapore and Malaysia are two hot travel destinations for Chinese outbound tourists. In 2019, there’s a total of 3.4 million Chinese visitors to Singapore with average spending of $2,971 US dollars per trip, and 3.04 million to Malaysia with average spending of $956 US dollars
…so there you go guys , China tourist is important to Malaysia. According to Malaysia’s Tourism Minister , Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing , Malaysia will lose our on at least Rm 30 billion in tourist dollars this year if it discriminates visitors from China (NST Jan 5th)
Dato Seri Tiong King Sing said Malaysia will lose at least Rm 30 billions if we discriminates visitors from China
According to the article of Thailand Business News dated 5th January 2023 , officials in Thailand are now anticipating an influx of visitors from China this year . According to Thailand Business News , around 50,000 tourists from China are expected to visit Thailand in January 2023 . The number is expected to reach 300,000 per month in the first quarter , provided that more flights resume while the overall visitor number from China visiting Thailand is expected to be around 5 million which is less than the pre- pandemic number of 11 million.
I strongly believe if we don’t welcome the Chinese tourists, other countries like Thailand , Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia will benefit from it and welcome them in open arms.
Agree or not , let’s enjoy a cup of hot Chinese tea
