BANGKOK, July 15 — Malaysia is stepping up efforts to boost visitor arrivals from Thailand by forging new partnerships with Thai tourism and business organisations to strengthen cross-border tourism, hospitality and investment.
The Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association (MyBHA) signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), the Thai Medical and Wellness Tourism Association (TMWTA) and the CHG Global Organisation (CHG) to expand tourism exchanges, promote wellness tourism and strengthen industry collaboration.
MyBHA National President Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel said the partnerships are expected to enhance Malaysia’s appeal as a destination for Thai leisure and business travellers while creating new opportunities for bilateral tourism and investment.
“Under the agreements, the parties will establish a platform to connect MyBHA member hotels with Thai tourists, including both leisure and business travellers, while encouraging Malaysian tour groups to utilise the services of Thai travel agencies,” he told Bernama here.
Ganesh said the collaboration also seeks to raise the profile of Malaysia’s budget and business hotel sector among Thai visitors by promoting MyBHA member hotels as preferred accommodation options.
He said a joint working committee would be established to coordinate exhibitions, business conferences and networking events, fostering closer collaboration among the participating organisations in organising industry-related programmes.
“The initiative is expected to strengthen tourism and hospitality cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand while supporting efforts to increase tourist arrivals, expand industry networking and deepen bilateral economic ties,” he said.
On Tuesday, during the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) Seminar and Networking Event organised by Tourism Malaysia, Ganesh signed two MoUs on behalf of MyBHA with TTAA Vice-President Tassanee Kiatkamchornchai, TMWTA President Dr Anusak Kongmalai, while Pahang chapter MyBHA chairman Datuk Seri K.Vijayendren signed with CHG Founder and Chairman Jacky Ong.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Tourism Malaysia Bangkok Director Nurul Ain Mohammed Yunus.
