KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 — Better tax incentives for tour operators, increased investment in tourism infrastructure and a higher promotional allocation are among the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents’ (Matta) key wish list items for Budget 2027.
Matta president Nigel Wong said better tax deductions for tour operators were particularly important to encourage them to step up promotional efforts overseas and attract more international visitors to Malaysia in support of the Visit Malaysia (VM) 2026-2027 initiative.
“In general, what we are looking for in the budget is better incentives for tour operators in the form of tax deductions, especially in line with VM 2026-2027.
“So, this is going to encourage tour operators to increase their promotional efforts overseas,” he said after the Matta Fair press conference with its official bank partner here today.
Wong highlighted the need for greater government investment in tourism businesses, particularly to upgrade infrastructure and refurbish existing tourism attractions.
“I think one of the things the government did very well, for example, was the improvement of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. So now that has become iconic in Kuala Lumpur.
“We have a lot of natural heritage buildings, historical buildings, and these should also be given a bit of a facelift or an upgrade,” he said.
Wong also called for a whole-of-tourism approach, with municipal councils playing a greater role in ensuring that cities and urban areas are safe and walkable.
“This will also help the overall image of the country,” he said, adding that Matta was also seeking an increased promotional budget to better support the VM 2026-2027 initiatives.
Based on the Parliament website, the Supply Bill (Budget) 2027 is scheduled to be tabled by the finance minister on October 9. — Bernama