Almost every television box in the 2000s was familiar with the catchy Malaysian advertisement that would play day in and day out. “Malaysia Truly Asia,” sang the ad, ten times a day, only to be repeated 20 times more by the people whose ears it fell on.
Today, years later, the afternoon of August 23, 2023, was refreshingly reminded of the beautiful tune that had disappeared somewhere along the years. The only difference is that this time, Goa heard the song on a larger screen, and with sound effects like never before at the Tourism Malaysia Sales Mission 2023 Goa which was held at the Double Tree by Hilton Goa Panjim.
More than just a song, Malaysia is said to be the soul and essence of Asia. Bringing to town its second roadshow which was scheduled from August 14 to 26, 2023. The roadshow kicked off in the city of Amritsar and went through Lucknow, Nagpur, and Pune and finally made it to Goa before it heads to Cochin.
At the press conference, Deputy Overseas Director of Tourism Malaysia New Delhi, Muhammad Akmal Hafiz Abdul Aziz, Consul General of Malaysia, Ahmad Zuwairi Yusoff and overseas Director of Tourism Malaysia Mumbai, Noriah Jaafar, briefed media persons on all that Malaysia has to offer.
“We look forward to extending an alliance between Goa and Malaysia. Apart from being just a holiday destination, Malaysia is also offering destination weddings, golfing, business, filming and shopping experiences,” said the Consul General.
Headed by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Y B Tuan Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, the roadshow comprised representatives from several hotels, resorts, travel agents, tourism product owners, visa consultants and Malaysia-based airlines that had all set up tables at the venue.
“We admire how India promotes Goa as a tourism destination and hope to do the same for Malaysia. We want to promote ‘Visit Malaysia year 2026’. In 2019 we received 7,35,000 Indian tourists from India. This year, we have targeted 4,62,000 and are optimistic that we can welcome up to 5,00,000 Indian tourists coming to Malaysia. There are also packages that will appeal to all sections of people,” shared Muhammad Aziz hoping that tourism will bounce back after the Covid-19 pandemic.
Stressing on the deep-rooted history between Goa and Malaysia, the trio shared how excited every Malaysian was to be in Goa. “We prefer to call Goa and Malaysia, ‘twin cities,’ in terms of their similar culture, shared history and tourism,” said Jaffar.
A melting pot of diversity, Malaysia is a mix of the fast-paced and rejuvenating life that everyone craves. Be it cuisine, culture, relaxation or more, if there is something that Malaysia is known for, it is being the best of Asia. After, they call it ‘Malaysia, truly Asia,’ for a reason!