Sunday, September 8, 2024 Tourism Malaysia has announced plans to intensify its campaigns and promotions of durian tourism packages internationally. These efforts aim to attract a larger number of tourists to Malaysia, particularly those with a keen interest in durian, the country’s famous fruit. According to Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin, Tourism Malaysia’s deputy chairman, these efforts are being designed with a global audience in mind, particularly focusing on tourists from China and Hong Kong, who have shown a strong preference for Malaysian durians.
Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin mentioned that Tourism Malaysia has observed a growing interest from international tourists, particularly those from China and Hong Kong, in Malaysia’s durians. Acknowledging this trend, the agency is committed to promoting durian tourism more extensively across various countries. The aim is to provide not only an opportunity for tourists to enjoy durians but also to engage in other activities such as attending seminars related to durian farming and production.
Tourism Malaysia’s future plans are centered on creating a more comprehensive experience for visitors. In addition to enjoying the fruit, tourists are expected to stay for a few days, enjoying local hospitality, dining, shopping, and sightseeing. This is anticipated to have a positive ripple effect on Malaysia’s economy by boosting hotel occupancy, dining, and retail sectors.
In line with these efforts, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives of local businesses are also being encouraged to support this tourism strategy. One such example comes from Mydin, a major retail chain in Malaysia, which recently organized a CSR event to promote durians as a tourism product. Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin emphasized the importance of businesses like Mydin in contributing to the growth of durian tourism and urged other companies to follow suit in promoting the fruit.
Mydin’s CSR programs are designed to offer affordable durian experiences to locals and tourists alike. These initiatives can potentially serve as models for other organizations seeking to contribute to the tourism industry while promoting local products. The integration of CSR in durian tourism promotions is expected to bolster Malaysia’s reputation as a unique destination for fruit tourism.
Mydin’s Northern Region executive director, Azmin Saduruddin, outlined plans for an upcoming durian promotion event, where four tons of durians from the well-known durian-growing regions of Balik Pulau and Raub, Pahang, will be made available. The promotion will take place at two Mydin locations: Bukit Mertajam and Pelangi Indah, Johor. During the event, visitors will have the chance to purchase a tray of durians for as low as RM100 for four kilograms.
This affordable price includes premium varieties such as Musang King, D24, XO, Udang Merah, and D101. The goal is to make high-quality durians more accessible to both locals and tourists, enhancing their overall travel experience. The initiative to offer high-quality durians at affordable prices is expected to attract both local and international visitors, making Malaysia a more appealing destination for those interested in culinary tourism.
The economic impact of these initiatives is likely to benefit local farmers, retailers, and the hospitality industry. The global impact of these durian tourism campaigns could be significant. As travelers from China and Hong Kong seek unique and authentic travel experiences, Malaysia’s promotion of durian tourism may encourage more visits to the country.
By offering additional activities and affordable prices, these promotions could lead to longer stays, further boosting Malaysia’s travel industry. This strategy has the potential to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a top destination for culinary tourism, contributing to the overall growth of the industry. With the integration of CSR initiatives and affordable pricing, Malaysia’s durian tourism campaigns are expected to have lasting effects on the global travel market, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
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