KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Small businesses and local communities should harness digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure the benefits of tourism sector growth are enjoyed more widely.
Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) secretary-general Datuk Shaharuddin Abu Sohot said the technology could help more tourists discover Malaysia’s uniqueness, facilitate travel planning and enable destinations to be managed more efficiently.
He said Malaysia’s cultural diversity, rich heritage and natural beauty remained its main strengths as a tourism destination.
“At the same time, technological advancement must go hand in hand with our responsibility to preserve the environment, heritage and cultural values. This is the foundation of a competitive, sustainable tourism sector that remains meaningful for future generations,” he said in a statement here tonight.
The statement was issued in conjunction with the ministry-level World Tourism Day 2026 celebration, held from Sept 28 to Oct 2 at the MOTAC lobby in Putrajaya.
Themed “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”, the celebration focuses on the responsible use of technology in tourism promotion, services and destination management.
In line with the Malaysia MADANI aspirations and Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 campaign, the ministry will continue to promote smarter, more inclusive and sustainable tourism development.
-- BERNAMA