THE 2023 Budget, tabled today by Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz at Dewan Rakyat, has allocated RM1.5 billion and a further RM200 million to rejuvenate the tourism sector.
RM10 million of the allocation will be used to spur Malaysia's ecotourism which includes upgrades for facilities in Gua Kelam, Perlis; sustainable solid waste management efforts in Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu; and investment in ecotourism activities in Taman Pertanian Jubli Perak Sultan Ahmad Shah, Pahang.
Airbnb Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan head of public policy Mich Goh in a statement welcomed the efforts spent for ecotourism.
"We are committed to supporting the country's green growth agenda and helping to rebuild tourism more sustainably," Goh said.
This includes educating and empowering more Airbnb Hosts, a short-term rental accommodation (STRA) industry, in adopting green practices, in line with the MOU partnership with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC).
"We continue to urge the government to extend these ongoing initiatives and new incentives to the STRA industry, which is a key contributor to the tourism economy
"The ongoing resurgence of domestic and inbound travel is creating new economic opportunities for communities in emerging and off-the-beaten destinations," the statement read.
"We believe that the government's goal to develop six new digital nomad-friendly hotspots and certify 2,000 short term rental accommodation stays as DE Rantau hubs under the DE Rantau programme, will help drive longer stays and position Malaysia as an ideal global destination for remote workers," added Goh.
Globally, long-term stays of over 28 days continue to comprise Airbnb's fastest-growing category by trip length, more than doubling from 2019.
"We also believe that the allocations of RM90 million to promote tourism programmes and RM25 million in discounts, vouchers and rebates of up to RM100 will encourage domestic tourism spend and further drive tourism recovery," said Goh.
Mich Goh, Airbnb's Head of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan
Experience island hopping with Klook Promo Code.
