In efforts to acknowledge tourism players who have excelled in innovating and adapting to the new norm, ASN Commerce Sdn. Bhd. (ASN) and Money Compass Media organized the MyMalaysia Tourism Awards 2023 (MMTA 2023) at Panggung Seri Kraftangan on 11 March 2023, in the presence of honorary guests – YB Khairul Firdaus bin Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MOTAC) and YAD Tengku Indera Pahlawan Diraja (Selangor) Tengku Dato Setia Putra Alhaj Bin Tengku Bendahara Azman Shah Alhaj, who presented the awards to exemplary local players.

With the theme – “Explore, Discover & Experience Malaysia,” ASN looks toward promoting and enhancing the image of Malaysia as a beloved country with rich tropical forests, pristine beaches, multicultural heritage destinations, and more. MMTA is a platform to commemorate local industry players who have been rapidly recovering and growing the country’s tourism industry after the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 35 Malaysian tourism players from hotels, theme parks, wellness and spa, homestays, tour agencies, authentic restaurants, shopping complexes, and many more were awarded for emerging as exemplary leaders in the post-pandemic recovery. Recognition was given to these brands with the intention of enhancing their reputation among local and foreign tourists. 

“We are aware that the tourism industry will encounter more difficult challenges in the upcoming years, so it is essential for the industry to be well-prepared for the travel demands and expectations beyond COVID-19. To further emphasize this, the MMTA 2023 will set the benchmark for local tourism players to follow in order to prepare themselves for the challenges ahead,” said Ms. Amy Seok, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of ASN Commerce Sdn Bhd.

Aligned with the National Tourism Policy 2020 – 2030, ASN aims to invigorate more tourism industry players and business moguls to drive Malaysia’s tourism industry forward through transformation and innovation to place Malaysia as a global top ten destination in arrivals and tourism expenditures.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Sri Ganesh Michiel, National President of the Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) said, “Tourism is one of the largest industries in Malaysia, and it contributes significantly to the economy and in providing job opportunities. In 2023, we hope to welcome over 16.1 million tourist arrivals and generate a revenue of RM49.2 billion in tourism receipts. Understanding the importance of boosting Malaysia’s tourism endeavors, we invite all tourism players to collectively adapt to the latest tourist trends and innovate themselves to offer an outstanding experience for visitors, just as the awardees at the MMTA 2023 have done thus far.”

The MMTA 2023 is supported by prominent industry leaders including Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Dato’ Richard Koh, President of the Malaysian Association of Themepark & Family Attractions (MATFA); Dato’ Haji Sahariman Hamdan, President of Homestay Association of Malaysia; Dr. Sri Ganesh Michiel, National President of the Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA); Datin Dorothea Justin, President of Malaysian Association of Wellness & Spa (MAWSpa); and Ms. Erina Loo, Chairwomen of Malaysian Women Tourist Guide Association (MWTGA).

Present to grace the auspicious event is prominent VVIPs including officers from the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, and many other industry leaders. For more information, kindly visit https://mymalaysiaaward.com.my/