28 NOVEMBER 2022 (MONDAY), 9.15 AM
SIPADAN I, LEVEL 4, SABAH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE (SICC)


Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh, and a very good morning.

Hon. Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun
State Minister of Local Government and Housing, Sabah

Mr. Harry Hwang
World Tourism Organisation Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific

Datuk Mohd Zamri Mat Zain
Deputy Secretary General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia

Datuk Sr. Mohd Yusrie Abdullah
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Sabah 

Honourable Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Heads of National Tourism Organisations,
Excellencies, Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
Distinguished Speakers and Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to wish everyone a warm welcome. 
Selamat Datang.

First of all, thank you for taking the time to join us on this very special occasion. It is truly an honour for Malaysia to once again host the World Tourism Conference or WTC 2022. Now in its 6th edition, this year’s WTC is particularly significant for us as we meet in the beautiful and enchanting Kota Kinabalu, Sabah “The Land below the Wind” to reconnect and reassess tourism’s recovery in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the tremendous support and partnership of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in co-organising this triannual event. My utmost appreciation also goes to all our esteemed guest speakers and strategic partners, particularly the Sabah State Government and its agencies for ensuring the successful organisation of this Conference.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

We have come a long way since the global tourism community last convened in Kuala Lumpur for the WTC in 2019. In the wake of the worldwide pandemic and multiple crises which continue to disrupt the sector’s growth trajectory, there is also a great window of opportunity for us to rethink and reimagine tourism for the future which is more sustainable, inclusive and less susceptible to shocks.

Despite challenging headwinds to the global economy in 2023 and beyond, experts have great expectations for the tourism sector, predicting continued pent-up demand alongside new growth opportunities and emerging niche markets arising from the pandemic. For instance, as tourism recovery gets underway, we have seen the boundaries between work, home, leisure and travel become increasingly blurred, requiring greater cross-collaboration with transport, health, security, cities and urban planning for greater liveability and quality of life, for both visitors and residents alike.

In a recent study, Euromonitor’s latest Travel 2023 research also indicates that consumers are showing high levels of engagement in sustainable travel while companies increasingly adopt science-based targets and government net-zero strategies, as the sector pivots to a quality tourism business model driven by affluent travellers.

These are just some of the exciting new prospects that will be explored during the 2-day conference. Therefore, I hope the chosen theme of “Tourism Futures Reimagined” will inspire deep insights on the challenges, opportunities, trends and forecasts shaping the future of the industry.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Within the context of “Tourism Futures Reimagined”, the conference will feature 5 impactful sessions which champions thought leadership on future scenarios and potential pathways of change, emerging niche markets including digital nomads and tourism in the metaverse, as well as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and impact investment opportunities. Delegates will also hear from some of the world's most innovative tourism destinations and companies on their inspiring success stories after the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are honoured to have with us a distinguished keynote speaker, Prof. Dato’ ChM. Dr. Mazlin Mokhtar of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network-Asia and Academy of Sciences Malaysia, who will for the first time bring a scientist’s perspective to the conference theme, particularly in advancing a more sustainable tourism recovery which embraces energy transition and carbon neutrality.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Before I conclude, I would like to thank each and every one who has worked tirelessly and whole-heartedly to make this conference a success.

To all our esteemed delegates representing more than 60 countries around the world, I would like to encourage you to take the time to experience Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and enjoy the best of Malaysian hospitality during your stay here.

With that, I wish you all a fruitful 2 days of deliberations and hope you will benefit tremendously from the expert speakers lined up as well as the engaging interactive sessions planned throughout this conference.

Thank you.

SOURCE: Corporate Communications Unit
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Muhammad Najmi
Tel: 6019-276 5789

Name: Eliana
Tel: 6012-361 0285

Website: www.motac.gov.my
Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @mymotac

--BERNAMA