Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan has underlined the importance of family-friendly attractions to the nation’s inbound tourism sector, suggesting this particular market should become a hub around which further development can subsequently be built.
“This industry is the main hub for our products,” said the deputy minister in a media briefing at the Matfa Golden Horses Awards 2023, hosted at the Genting International Convention Centre. “We need new and innovative products for tourists to see that Malaysia serves a variety of products which change from year to year,” he added.
The ministry is currently working together with the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) and the Malaysian Association of Theme Parks and Family Attractions (Matfa) to expand the family tourism segment with new attractions, in the hope of attracting more investment and ultimately more visitors.
Datuk Dr Ammar Abd Ghapa is the director-general of Tourism Malaysia. He also noted that theme parks are a major attraction for international holidaymakers, particularly those travelling with children. “This is one example of the diversity of theme parks, where we have indoor, outdoor, nature and ecotourism, which can attract more tourists to Malaysia because of the options given,” he said in a recent statement.
The Matfa Golden Horse Awards were set up to promote excellence and stimulate competition, showcasing the achievements of Malaysian tourism operators and recognising the contributions many of them have made to the national economy. MATFA currently has a membership of almost 100 companies, including some of the country’s best amusement parks.
According to their website, “Members of MATFA have built a strong platform to collectively champion their common interests, as well as an extensive network to promote their business, to share market information, to enhance knowledge and training as well as to elevate industry standards in professionalism and safety.”
