BY Shahrim Tamrin, The Malay Mail
Five travel and tour associations lauded Tourism Ministry's latest policy change in allowing travel companies without Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) license or its non-members to have their licenses renewed annually.
The five associations — Bumiputra Travel & Tours Association (Bumitra), Car Rental Associations of Malaysia (CRAM), Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA), Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA) and Malaysian Indian Tourism Association (MITA) — expressed appreciation and gratitude, following the ministry's announcement last Tuesday.
“We are grateful with the decision and we commend minister Datuk Seri Dr Yen Yen's vision and wisdom to facilitate the growth of the country's tourism industry,” said CRAM president Datuk Dr Joshua Peter Tan. He said the industry welcomes this latest development as it allows the associations to play more effective roles for its members.
Tan said back in 1999, it was compulsory for all travel agents to apply or renew their licenses with MATTA since there were fewer companies within the industry then. “Now, because it is no longer compulsory, it would spur the industry to grow tremendously with more diversity and specialisation for inbound tourism especially” he said. Any company can now choose to be members of any travel association that best suit their interest and objective.”
Tan's view was echoed by Bumitra president Mohd Ayub Hassan, who said: “This is a good move. The last time a travel company wanted to register with the ministry, it must register annually with MATTA.
“It (the new policy change) is indeed refreshing. It was a long-awaited move by the industry. Now, tourism would be strengthened with each company and association being able to play more effective roles for business development and expansion,” he said.
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