The recent decision to close the Tourism Malaysia office for Canada, located in Vancouver, was made “after careful consideration of our current initiatives and future prospects in the region,” said the former marketing executive for the DMO in YVR.
Ann Leong of the Vancouver office bid farewell with a note that expressed a “sincere appreciation” for the support she has received from their travel partners in Canada over the years. “Your collaboration has been invaluable in promoting Malaysian tourism, and I am truly grateful for your partnership,” said Leong.
The Tourism Malaysia deputy director for the Americas, Linawati Ismail, offered more insights.
“The closure was not the result of a single factor. It formed part of a broader organizational rationalization exercise undertaken by headquarters to optimize Tourism Malaysia’s overseas operations and resources,” said Ismail, who is based in Los Angeles.
“The decision was made after considering the organization’s overall strategic and operational requirements, while ensuring that Tourism Malaysia continues to effectively serve the Canadian market through its regional network,” she said.
Tourism Malaysia activities in Canada will now be supported by the Tourism Malaysia office in Los Angeles. “Moving forward, the Canada market will continue to be supported by Tourism Malaysia through our office in Los Angeles, which will work closely with our headquarters and appointed PR agency, Trove Tourism Travel Advisors, to maintain engagement with Canadian travel trade, media and industry stakeholders,” said Nora Jaffar of Tourism Malaysia in Los Angeles.
“We remain committed to maintaining close engagement with the Canadian travel trade, media and industry partners to promote Malaysia as a preferred long-haul destination,” added Ismail. She said that Malaysia tourism promotional efforts will continue for Canada.
“Tourism Malaysia will continue to actively promote Malaysia in Canada through a range of marketing and promotional initiatives,” said Ismail. “These include participation in selected travel trade events, collaboration with airline and travel industry partners, travel trade engagement programs, digital and public relations campaigns, media outreach, webinars, fam trips and joint promotional activities with industry stakeholders.
“Canada remains an important long-haul source market for Malaysia, and Tourism Malaysia looks forward to further strengthening its collaboration with the Canadian travel industry and media through its continued presence in North America,” said the deputy director.
MIDDLE PHOTO
Linawati Ismail, Tourism Malaysia deputy director for the Americas
BOTTOM PHOTO
Ann Leong, the former marketing executive for Tourism Malaysia in Canada, here with the former Malaysia consul general in Vancouver, Mohd Afandi Abu Bakar, at a travel trade event in YVR.
