The Malaysian Tourism Federation (MTF) is the national umbrella organization representing the tourism industry in Malaysia. Established in 2023, MTF serves as the voice of the Malaysian tourism industry, working to promote and develop the country’s tourism industry with a single industry voice.
MTF is comprised of seven (7) founding association members, representing a wide range of tourism sub-sectors including hotels, tour operators, travel agents and various other tourism-related associations and organizations. Through its members, MTF represents over 20,000 tourism businesses and stakeholders across Malaysia.
The core purpose of MTF is to act as the liaison between the Malaysian government and the tourism sector, advocating for the interests and needs of the industry. MTF works closely with government agencies such as the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia (MOTAC) and Tourism Malaysia to develop and implement tourism policies, strategies, and promotional campaigns. As the representative body of the tourism industry, MTF provides crucial industry insights, feedback, and recommendations to policymakers to ensure the sustainable growth and competitiveness of Malaysian tourism.
Objectives of the Malaysian Tourism Federation
1. Promote Malaysia as a Premier Tourism Destination.
Foster Malaysia’s global image as a diverse and attractive destination for travelers.
2. Facilitate Industry Collaboration.
Strengthen partnerships between tourism stakeholders, including government bodies, private sectors, and local communities.
3. Encourage Sustainable Tourism Practices
Advocate for sustainable tourism initiatives that preserve cultural heritage and protect natural resources.
4. Enhance Security Standards.
Improve service quality and standards in Malaysia’s tourism and hospitality sectors through training and certification programs.
5. Support Tourism Development Projects.
Actively engage in and support projects that contribute to the growth of Malaysia’s tourism infrastructure and offerings.
6. Target Abandoned Tourism Town for Revival.
Identify and focus on towns that were once thriving tourist destinations, collaborating with local authorities and stakeholders to revitalize these areas.
7. Advocate for Policy Improvements.
Work closely with government agencies to advocate for policies that benefit the tourism industry and address challenges.
8. Promote Cultural and Heritage Tourism.
Highlight Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and traditions to attract niche tourist segments.
9. Develop Domestic Tourism.
Encourage Malaysians to explore and appreciate their own country through domestic tourism campaigns.
10. Strengthen International Partnership.
Collaborate with international tourism organizations to enhance Malaysia’s visibility and reach global markets.
11. Provide a Platform for Networking.
Facilitate networking opportunities for tourism stakeholders to share ideas and foster innovation.
12. Support Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs)
Empower local tourism-related SMEs by providing resources, training, and promotional opportunities.
13. Encourage Tourism Innovation.
Promote the adoption of digital technologies and innovative solutions within the tourism sector.
14. Conduct Research and Development.
Support research initiatives to understand tourism trends and improve decision-making.
15, Increase Industry Resilience.
Strengthen the industry’s ability to adapt and recover from crises, such as pandemics or economic downturns.
16. Pressure for the Revitilization of Negelected Tourism Areas.
Work with local and federal governments to allocate resources and develop strategic plans to rejuvenate neglected or underdeveloped tourist destinations.
17. Promote Responsible Tourism.
Educate travelers and industry players on responsible tourism practices to minimize negative impacts on destinations.
Mission:
To be the leading industry voice and catalyst for the advancement of the Malaysian tourism industry.
Vision
To position Malaysia as a world-class tourist destination renowned for its diverse tourism experiences, excellent service standards, and sustainable tourism practices.