SIBU: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) is poised to launch an array of cultural tourism programs and activities in 2025, aligning with the MADANI government's commitment to prioritizing cultural tourism at the national level. These initiatives are anticipated to bolster economic growth and enhance the livelihoods of citizens by drawing an increased number of both domestic and international visitors.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing emphasized the potential of the cultural tourism industry during the MOTAC Bersama Komuniti @ Sibu 2024 event at the Azman Hashim Community Sports Complex in Sibu Jaya. He noted that Tourism Malaysia and its agencies have been tasked with leading these upcoming programs and activities. The minister highlighted a notable rise in domestic tourism, with 193.3 million visitors recorded in the first nine months of 2024, marking a 21.8 percent increase compared to 2023.
The economic impact of this increase is evident in the domestic tourism spending, which surged to RM77.8 billion, reflecting a 27.2 percent rise from the previous year. Additionally, international tourist arrivals from January to November 2024 reached 32.2 million, showing a significant 31.8 percent increase from 25.9 million in 2023.
To further invigorate the tourism sector, Tiong announced that MOTAC would introduce a nationwide Midnight Sales initiative in collaboration with shopping malls. This initiative will be complemented by special food promotions designed to highlight Malaysia's local delicacies at various outlets, aiming to offer tourists a rich culinary experience.
As MOTAC gears up for the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, intended to strengthen Malaysia's status as a premier global tourist destination, Tiong urged collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the campaign's success. He also underscored the ministry's ongoing efforts to promote Sarawak as a prime destination, encouraging the Sarawak Tourism Board to develop additional tourism products to attract visitors from ASEAN, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond.