Dato' Zainol Abidin Omar said, "These next two years are a crucial period for our country's tourism – they are the lead up to the much-anticipated Visit Malaysia 2020. By then, we expect to welcome some 36 million tourists to our shores with tourist receipts reaching RM168 billion."
Visit Malaysia 2020 is a landmark initiative that has received the support and endorsement of the Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia in 2017. It is a key development towards the realization of the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan goals that by the year 2020.
The initiative not only aims to rally all industry players towards this common goal, but is a call to welcome tourists from all over the world to experience Malaysia's warm hospitality and diverse tourist attractions.
The campaign will be aligned with World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)'s "Travel.Enjoy.Respect" movement launched in August 2017 which calls for tourists to become a catalyst for positive change towards a better future.
In 2020, it is expected that inbound tourists will generate over RM 168 billion to the tourism industry in Malaysia. The campaign is promoted due to its plan to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2020.
At Malaysia Appreciation Night, guests were also entertained by 'Istana Budaya', the cultural troupe of Malaysia's national performing arts as well as a Malaysian-born singer Annabelle Vo Pei Pei. In conjunction with this, the Deputy Chairman presented recognition awards to local agents and media in appreciation for their support and promotion of Malaysia as a preferred holiday destination for Thais.