20th Malaysia tourism awards 2016-2017 held

Thursday, March 15, 2018

The Perdana Hall of the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) was glowing bright in the theme colours of black, gold and red at the recently held 20th Malaysia Tourism Awards 2016-2017. Held once every two years, the prestigious event attracted over 1,200 guests from Malaysia and overseas, including ministers, tourism industry players and members of the media.

 
As the guests walked through the entrance of the hall, they were greeted by the sounds and sights of a replicated rainforest, and were led into a grand theatre-style seating arrangement. The National Symphony Orchestra provided musical accompaniment for the ceremony, while emcees Daphne Iking and Rahim Rahman captivated the audience throughout the event.

 
Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz said during his speech, “The awards celebrate Malaysia’s very own stars of the tourism industry, people who have made outstanding contributions to promote Malaysia as a premiere tourism destination in the world,”

 
Nazri said that Malaysia recorded a total of 26.8 million international visitors with tourist receipts of RM82.1bil for 2016. Domestic tourism also reported a total of 189.3 million domestic visitors and an expenditure of RM74.8bil for 2016.

 
“These were two challenging years which saw rising regional competition and limited resources, but it was heartwarming to see all industry players come together to overcome the situation,” Nazri added.

 
Nazri said that the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism and Culture is constantly thinking of new ways to improve its tourism offerings and as such, two new categories have been introduced for this edition of the awards: Best Entertainment Spot and Best Airline. This is to recognize the private sector’s efforts in fulfilling the tourism goals of the nation.

 
The two new categories introduced for the 20th edition of the awards were won by Marini’s On 57 (Best Entertainment Spot), Cathay Dragon (Best Airline – International), and AirAsia (Best Airline – local).

 
The awards comprised 14 categories: Best Local Tour Operator, Best Foreign Tour Operator, Best Tourism Article, Best Travel Documentary and TV Commercial on Malaysia, Best Tourist Attraction, Most Innovative Tour Package, Best Hotel Services, Best Tourist Guide, Best Shopping Centre, Best Homestay, Innovative Restaurant, Best Spa, Best Entertainment Spot, and Best Airline. There were also 52 sub-categories under these awards.

 
The Prime Minister’s Award went to Datuk Seri Idris Haron and Sunway Group, while the Minister’s Award went to Anthony Wong and The Haven Ipoh.

 
Award winners were presented with an exquisite crystal trophy which had a trapezium base topped by a globe held by two triangular towers, along with a certificate of excellence.

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