LONDON, 7 November 2018: The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents and the Cruise Lines International Association signed off on Memorandum of Understanding during this week’s World Travel Market in London.
The MOU will strengthen cooperation between the two associations to drive cruise tourism in Malaysia.
Signed by MATTA president, Datuk Tan Kok Liang and CLIA senior vice president, membership director UK & Ireland, Andy Harmer, the ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi.
“Cruise is one of the fastest growing leisure travel segments globally and has been picking up steam in Malaysia,” said MATTA’s president.
“The strategic cooperation between both associations will focus on the development of cruise tourism in Malaysia through education and building awareness with members. Members from both associations will be able to leverage on each other’s technical knowledge, expertise and experience.”
According to the CLIA’s Asia Cruise Trends Report 2018, Malaysian cruise source passenger count nearly doubled in 2017, an increase of 87.8K passengers, or about 88% up year over year.
Meanwhile, international cruise call to Malaysian ports grew to 599 in 2017 compared to 435 in 2016. Intermediate stops by international cruise holiday ships should grow to 628 by 2020.
“We are optimistic that this strategic cooperation will create favourable conditions for the continuous growth of the cruise tourism in Malaysia and enhance members business offerings and services to consumers,” said Tan.
CLIA Australasia & Asia managing director, Joel Katz added: “The signing of this MoU would align the efforts of CLIA and MATTA to create exciting opportunities that will benefit the cruise industry. We look forward to working together with MATTA to promote the growth of cruise tourism in Malaysia.”
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents is the largest NGO for travel in Malaysia. Currently, it has 3,300 members, comprising of local tour and travel agents as well as overseas affiliations.
Cruise Lines International Association is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association with 15 offices globally. It supports policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment for the more than 25 million passengers who cruise annually.
