WITM 2012 Opens In Malaysia May 31

KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- Fifty countries have confirmed their participation in the three-day World Islamic Tourism Mart (WITM) 2012 at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), here, starting Thursday. Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president, Mohd Khalid Harun said the inaugural event aimed to promote the Muslim tourism industry to the global market. Among the countries taking part are Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Maldives, United Arab Emirates, the United States, Canada, France, Sweden, Germany, Russia, China, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Featuring three major sections, namely the Consumer Travel Fair, Business-to-Business Travel Exchange and an international conference, WITM eyes over 200 exhibitors and 25,000 visitors. "It's not only meant for Muslims as everyone can come and find something in terms of travel and tour packages, hotel stays or airlines tickets," he said at the pre-event press conference, here on Wednesday. Mohd Khalid said WITM participants would also get to see what Malaysia had to offer as a tourist destination and help promote this Southeast Asian country when they go back. To a question, Mohd Khalid said the Eurozone financial crisis would not have a significant impact on the local tourism industry as a large number of tourists coming to Malaysia were from Asian countries. WTIM 2012 is organised by Matta in collaboration with the World Tourism Organisation, Tourism Malaysia, Information, Communications and Culture Ministry, International Trade and Industry Ministry and the Malaysian Association of Hotels with the support of state government tourism organisations. -- BERNAMA