Chongqing - On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, coinciding with the launch of direct flights from Chongqing to Kuala Lumpur and the inaugural flight to Penang, the Chongqing Cultural Tourism delegation made its debut at the 2024 Malaysia MITM Travel Fair. They successfully hosted the "Hello, Chongqing!" Kuala Lumpur Cultural Tourism Promotion, further consolidating and expanding the Southeast Asian tourist market.
Officials including Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia; Liu Weikang, President of the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association; Xie Yongcong, Executive Director of the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association and Chairman of the MITM Organizing Committee, and Zhang Jiexin, Director of the Kuala Lumpur Chinese Cultural Center, visited the Chinese exhibition area.
Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, visited the Chinese exhibition area. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development)
On August 2nd local time in Kuala Lumpur, the "Hello, Chongqing!" Kuala Lumpur Cultural Tourism Promotion was held at the main stage of the exhibition. Zhang Jiexin, Director of the Kuala Lumpur Chinese Cultural Center, delivered a welcome speech, emphasizing the significant presence of the large Chongqing delegation at the 2024 Malaysia MITM Travel Fair and the successful promotion of Chongqing's cultural tourism in Kuala Lumpur, demonstrating their commitment to the Malaysian tourism market.
Zhang Jiexin, Director of the Kuala Lumpur Chinese Cultural Center, delivered a welcome speech. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development)
Wen Jianghua, head of the Chongqing Cultural Tourism delegation, said in his speech, "Chongqing is a modern international metropolis with beautiful scenery, local flavors, and rich cultural heritage. We welcome visitors from all over to explore Chongqing and experience our profound culture, natural beauty, cyberpunk elements, and lively atmosphere."
Wen Jianghua, head of the Chongqing Cultural Tourism delegation. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development)
Liu Weikang, President of the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association, remarked, "Through the 'Hello, Chongqing!' Kuala Lumpur Cultural Tourism Promotion, we not only have the opportunity to deeply understand Chongqing's charming scenery and cultural heritage but also experience Chongqing's intangible cultural heritage and cultural landscapes showcased through thematic cultural tourism introductions."
Speech by Liu Weikang, President of the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development)
This promotional event, tailored for the Malaysian market, aimed to precisely introduce a series of products and routes to attract tourists to Chongqing and facilitate discussions and interactions between participating countries.
Zhou Qianhong, General Manager of Chongqing Bozhong International Travel Agency, emphasized the strong support from the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development for market entities like theirs. He expressed confidence and anticipation in cooperating with Malaysian partners to organize tourist visits to Chongqing, including a newly signed one-year charter flight cooperation agreement with relevant airlines.
In April 2023, Mayor Hu Henghua of Chongqing met with Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Tiong King Sing, pledging to facilitate mutual visits and enhance cultural and tourism exchanges. Subsequent efforts included discussions on establishing Malaysian tourism offices in Chongqing and launching encrypted direct flights. In June 2024, Deputy Director-General Zhu Mao of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development and Deputy Director-General Lee Thai Hung of Tourism Malaysia convened in Beijing for talks on deepening tourism cooperation, culminating in agreements to improve Malaysian visitor experiences in Chongqing and mutual support in promotional activities and new encrypted direct flights.
Promoting Chongqing cultural tourism products to Malaysian people. (Photo/Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development)
"In the fourth quarter of this year, Chongqing will host the 15th China Three Gorges International Tourism Festival and the 2024 Chongqing International Travel Trade Fair, inviting colleagues to deepen pragmatic cooperation in Chongqing, share development opportunities, and create a better future together!" The head of the Chongqing Cultural Tourism delegation invited travel industry professionals to the event.
According to data from Ctrip, as of June this year, Malaysia ranks as the fourth largest source of inbound tourism to China, with Malaysian tourist orders for Chinese travel increasing more than fourfold compared to last year. Chongqing is among the top ten favorite Chinese cities for Malaysian tourists, with Malaysian overnight visitors accounting for approximately 16% of Chongqing's total inbound overnight visitors in the first half of this year, establishing Malaysia as Chongqing's leading source of tourists.