KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16- As Malaysia takes the helm of Asean chairmanship next year, many events and programmes have been lined up in different locations of the country. The impact on tourism will be tremendous with the influx of dignitaries and other tourists from Asean member countries.

Dr. Nor Hafizah Selamat, from the School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia believes the Asean Chairmanship can enhance the country's tourism profile by attracting regional and global attention to key destinations.

Malaysia's efforts towards sustainability through eco-tourism initiatives will also increase international tourism receipts and support local economies.

"The events that will be hosted such as the Asean Ministers of Culture and Arts in Melaka and the Foreign Ministers' retreat in Langkawi would give us the opportunity to showcase our cultural and natural assets to international audiences and tourists as well. The introduction of electric vehicles for Asean leaders' usage, for instance, would highlight Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable tourism, aligning with global travel trends towards eco-friendly practices," said Dr. Nor Hafizah when speaking with an RTM reporter.

In order to align Malaysia's level of service with the Asean tourism standards, the associate professor recommended other strategies that local tourism players can undertake for the long term.

"This includes training staff to provide exceptional hospitality, improving facilities to ensure comfort and accessibility, and adopting environmentally friendly practices to attract eco-conscious travellers. Additionally, leveraging digital innovations, such as contactless services and smart tourism applications, can facilitate seamless travel experiences."

Indeed, Malaysia's Asean chairmanship will spur the economy in more ways than one, particularly the tourism sector as it recovers from the pandemic slump and prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.