Nazri lauds tourism industry players at awards

PUTRAJAYA: The 20th edition of the Malaysia Tourism Awards, here, today, saw industry players and captains lauded for their significant contributions towards the country's tourism sector.
Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the awards serves to acknowledge industry and media partners for their outstanding contribution and efforts throughout 2016 and 2017.
"These were two challenging years which saw rising regional competition and limited resources, yet it was heartwarming to see all industry players come together to overcome the situation," he said during his speech at the event in Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), here, today.
Also present were Malacca chief minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron, Sabah's Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab and Tourism Malaysia Board chairman Datuk Siew Ka Wei among others.
Mohamed Nazri further said that the ministry is constantly seeking new ways to improve all our tourism offerings.
"In this regard, I wish to make special mention of two new categories of awards in this edition, namely 'Best Entertainment Spot' and Best Airline' to acknowledge the private sector's efforts in fulfilling the goals of Tourism National Key Economic Areas (NKEA) and the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan (MTTP).
"I am pleased to inform that we received a total of 665 local and international nominations this time.
"Certainly, this exceeded our expectations," he said.
During the event Mohamed Nazri also presented four special awards including the Minister's Award (individual) to Asian Overland Services Group managing director Anthony Wong and (organisation) to The Haven, Ipoh.
Idris also received the Prime Minister's Award (individual) from Mohamed Nazri while Sunway Group garnered the Prime Minister's Award (organisation).
The four special awards were presented to two individuals and two organisations following a personal selection by Prime Minister and the Tourism and Culture Minister for their exceptional contributions and positions in the industry.
Among the winners of the awards include Cathay Dragon for best international airline and AirAsia for both best international and local route winner respectively.
Thanking the industry leaders both local and foreign for their contribution to the nation's tourism industry, Mohamed Nazri expressed hope that they will continue to express their spirit for innovation and desire to achieve outstanding levels of quality in service and products.
"I know that your job was not an easy one.
"After a few years as the minister, I am well-acquainted with our tourism industry players.
"I can attest that all of them deserve to be recognised for their collective efforts and passion towards the industry.
"This is crucial as we are set to achieve the ambitious goals for both arrivals and income to make Visit Malaysia 2020 a resounding success," he said.
He also thanked Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak for his support for Visit Malaysia 2020 as well as his commitment towards tourism, demonstrated in all the policies he has formulated to ensure a vibrant and thriving industry.

The awards, held once every two years recognises and honours local and International tourism industry players for outstanding and innovative products and services. It also acts as an incentive for participants to strive for the highest level of professionalism and quality in both products and services.
This edition of the awards puts forth 14 categories and 52 sub-categories with 665 nominations submitted for contention.