Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) president Uzaidi Udanis told FMT promotion and marketing programmes had become more expensive with the drop in the value of the ringgit.

He complained particularly that the cost of placing advertisements in foreign publications and erecting billboards overseas had become prohibitive because of the exchange rates.

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Tan Kok Liang meanwhile proposed that incentives be granted for inbound tour operators until 2020.

He said this would help ease conditions for new or small companies. According to him, many of these firms are operated by Bumiputeras.

Tan also said he was hoping for funds for the training of practitioners in the industry.

“The aim is to raise professionalism, using the Malaysian Skills Certificate and Diploma as the standard of formal recognition for industry experts,” he said.

He called for monetary and other incentives for online marketing, saying local companies needed to compete with “giant travel agents” that were dominating cyberspace.

Uzaidi agreed that monetary incentives were essential, saying it was odd that tour companies were forking out their own money to promote the country.

He also urged the government to provide road tax exemptions for tourist vehicles and ease the import of luxury vehicles.

“At the moment, the luxury market is increasing, so these comforts need to be met,” he said.

He added that the industry also needed disabled-friendly vehicles.

“All these things are taxable and we need some incentives to enable us to bring in those vehicles,” he said.

Tan said a friendly and welcoming environment at all entry points to Malaysia was the most important thing on his Budget 2018 wish list.

He said passengers arriving in Malaysia at international airports must be able to spot and understand signs and immigration officers should have a welcoming demeanour.