Malaysian travel firms and their counterparts in Vietnam have discussed cooperation in developing and promoting eco-tourism and adventure packages as well as attracting more Vietnamese travelers to new destinations in Malaysia.
Mount Kinabalu, jungles, beaches and diving areas in the Sabah state were among the new destinations that Malaysian travel firms introduced to their counterparts in Ho Chi Minh City last week and in Hanoi on Monday as part of the Malaysian Borneo Tourism Seminar and Travel Mart 2011 in Vietnam.

Mohd Akbal Setia, director of Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board in Vietnam, said the major event was for travel companies in Vietnam and Sabah to mull packages consisted of islands, beaches and adventures for the Vietnamese market.

Setia said there was huge potential to draw Vietnamese nature lovers and adventurous travelers to new destinations in Malaysia in addition to general tourists to sightseeing sites and shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, Genting and Malacca.

Ůore people want to do something else with eco-tourism and adventures, and Sabah can cater to this rising demand, Setia told the Daily after the meeting arranged last Friday for Malaysian firms to meet with representatives of some 30 travel firms in HCMC.

Representatives of Vietnam tour operator applauded the joint effort of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board and Sabah Tourism Board for offering Vietnamese travelers, particularly MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) guests, more options and reasons to visit Malaysia.