By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH, Jan 9 — The Golden Century Travel (GCT) Travel Fair, held at Ipoh Parade today, served as a key platform to strengthen cooperation between the tourism industries of Malaysia, China, and Thailand, while opening up two-way pathways for tourist exchanges and promoting new destinations.
The programme, organised by Golden Century Tour, also received support from strategic partners from China as well as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
Perak’s Industry, Investment, Tourism and Corridor Development Committee chairman, Loh Sze Yee, said the exhibition featured the participation of several Chinese travel companies promoting destinations such as Chengdu, Shandong, and Hainan, alongside official representatives from TAT marketing Thai tourism products to the Malaysian and Singaporean markets.
“Such collaborations are crucial to ensure the tourism industry grows in a balanced and sustainable manner.
“While some parties focus on taking tourists abroad, the tourism ecosystem must function as a two-way system to ensure inbound arrivals to Malaysia are also increased, thereby helping to reduce travel costs and expand the market,” he said.
At the same time, Loh stressed that the joint initiative also focuses on promoting ‘hidden gems’ or lesser-known destinations.
“Thailand is introducing the Isan region in the country’s northeast, which is rich in culture and gastronomy, while Perak is taking the opportunity to promote new destinations in the state to the Thai market, particularly Ipoh and its surrounding areas,” he added.
GCT Travel Fair is being held at the Ground Floor of Ipoh Parade from January 8 to 11, 2025, offering a range of attractive travel packages to destinations such as Japan, China, South Korea, and various other countries.
