BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  Enterprise Explores  >  Local Tourism Numbers Are Up — What’s Driving the Surge?

Local Tourism Numbers Are Up — What’s Driving the Surge?

Nigel Wong, President, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents

12-Sep-24 12:00

Local Tourism Numbers Are Up — What’s Driving the Surge?

This week, Marriott International announced plans to open 20 new hotels in Malaysia by 2029, driven by the surge in tourism, in which Malaysia has seen a notable rise in the first half of 2024.

From breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cultural experiences, captivating both local and international travellers alike, the country's allure seems to be stronger than ever. One of the highlights at the recent MATTA Fair, which saw record participation, was a special focus on showcasing Borneo, positioning it as a must-visit destination for 2024.

To dive deeper into the driving forces behind this booming tourism wave, we speak with Nigel Wong, the President of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA). In our conversation today, we explore elements that have spurred this resurgence, the role of key destinations like Borneo, and how Malaysia is evolving to meet the growing demand from travellers.

Produced by: Carol Wong

Presented by: Richard Bradbury


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  marketseconomyinternationalenvironmentHistory/Heritageculturetravel

Tags:  community culturetourismlocal tourism





Play / Pause

Listen now : BFM 89.9 -- The Business Station

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Michele Schneider, Chief Strategist at Market Gauge tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research discusses recent updates in Malaysian politics.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Idham Idris, Director, Corporate Treasury Investment Services, Wealth Vantage Advisory talks about the Hire Purchase (Amendment) Act 2026.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Davis Chong, CEO of Solarvest Holdings gives us an update on how the company is doing since last February, record net profits in the 9MFY2026 period, expansion plans and more.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Dr Jayant Menon, Visiting Senior Fellow at the ISEAS Yusof Ishak, unpacks implications of the voided Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) with the US means for Malaysia.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

(REPEAT) Idham Idris, Director, Corporate Treasury Investment Services, Wealth Vantage Advisory talks about the Hire Purchase (Amendment) Act 2026.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT)Michele Schneider, Chief Strategist at Market Gauge tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

Nabil Zainoodin, Equity Research Analyst at BIMB Securities, discusses the outlook for Malaysia’s construction sector.

9:35 AM

BBC The Inquiry

Why Is Poland’s Economy Booming?

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Khor Swee Kheng, CEO and Aisha Adam, Director of Business Development, Angsana Health

11:00 AM

Marketing Mojo

Margie Ong, CEO, Thoughts In Gear

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Vincent Chin, Managing Director and Senior Partner, and Global Vice Chair of BCG’s Public Sector Practice

1:00 PM

Breakfast Grille (REPEAT)

Davis Chong, CEO of Solarvest Holdings gives us an update on how the company is doing since last February, record net profits in the 9MFY2026 period, expansion plans and more.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Beyond the Ballot Box

We speak to a councillor from the Petaling Jaya City Council on their plans for the future, which includes making PJ more dense and accessible to public transportation.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

University can be a difficult transition period for young adults. How can parents maintain meaningful connection with their children while encouraging independence?

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

A countdown of the 5 biggest stories of the day, to catch you up on all you need to know!

6:00 PM

Talkback Tuesday