The expo, playing host to more than 100 organisations, will run from Aug 27 to Aug 29
THE Digital Travel Technology Association of Malaysia (DiTTAM) will have its first-ever virtual exhibition, Virtual Tourism Expo 2021 (VTE2021), in an aim to become a catalyst for digital tourism.
Themed “Malaysia Has It All”, VTE2021 will run from Aug 27 until Aug 29, 2021, and features more than 100 organisations including the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Tourism Malaysia, state tourism offices, as well as local industry players.
Established early this year, DiTTAM’s mission is to drive innovation by bridging the digital gap and strengthening the tourism industry via digital technology.
DiTTAM president Rohizam Md Yusof said VTE2021, which has allocated 150 booths this year, will not only promote domestic tourism but also provide opportunities to be a virtual marketing platform for industry players directly involved in offering domestic packages and services.
“We will be expecting about 40,000 visitors over the three days, with RM2 million in sales through the packages offered.
“It will mainly be domestic packages for now, but we do foresee the borders reopening by the end of the year where we may see an increase in international inbound market,” he said during the virtual launch of VTE2021 yesterday.
He said vouchers and packages being sold will have a travel period for the next six months up to a year, while exhibitors will be able to extend the validity if needed.
According to Rohizam, the technology used for this expo was a curated type, and not similar to other virtual events.
“Participants have learnt how to use this specially enabled technology and its features to ensure its creativity.
“Visitors will be able to engage in a 3D virtual exhibition space created to mirror the real exhibition. Previously, other virtual exhibitions were in 2D.
“Visitors will have the opportunity to interact virtually and live with the exhibitors, as well as make online purchases through the sophisticated digital tech provided,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rohizam said the tourism industry has a large gap in terms of digitalisation, with few companies innovating it.
He said the Covid-19 pandemic provided many with the time to refocus and innovate, while coming up with new ideas.
“The new norm has given us time to address the gaps and challenges to look for something different and innovative to meet the objectives.
“Since we cannot have a physical fair, it was time to explore new alternatives. There are so many benefits to this, we can reach audiences anywhere in the world, without any time constraints and travel costs” he noted.
Rohizam added that the country’s vaccination programme will also play an important role in gearing up travel when borders reopen.
“The tourism industry is expected to take full advantage of this, as people with both doses of vaccination will be given a flexibility to be involved in domestic tourism,” he said.
Source : The Malaysian Reserve
