JAKARTA, Dec 11 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia has today announced the launch of Malaysia Truly Asia ASEAN Virtual Hunt 2020, its first-ever treasure hunt, run as a virtual event to creatively promote Malaysia’s iconic places, local towns and cities. This new concept is conforming to the new normal for the tourism industry as COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt for international travel.

The event is set to virtually connect 30 teams of media representatives from nine countries in Southeast Asia, who participate to feel on the digital experience around Malaysia and grab a total cash prize up to USD 1,000.

The event takes on Zoom platform, bringing participants on a two and half-hour virtual treasure hunt with each team will embark on the cryptic clue hunting based on existing landmarks and towns in Malaysia. Participants will navigate virtually using Google Maps and submit their answers via Google Forms.

Mr Zulkifly Md Said, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia said, the virtual hunt is a unique way to promote and keep our Malaysia’s destination top of mind during this challenging time.

“Today's virtual event is organised as a way to give a taste of the Malaysian experience and a form of release for those who have been here and miss visiting our country. Many of us have to put our hearts on hold as the pandemic has discouraged people to travelling, but this will make people feel like visiting Malaysia where participants will play in teams from different locations to solve clues in real-time.

“Malaysia welcomes travellers to experience our diversity and uniqueness once it is safe to open our borders again,” he said.

Malaysia Truly Asia ASEAN Virtual Hunt 2020 will be officiated by Malaysia Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency Datuk Zainal Abidin Bakar.

The event is also supported and sponsored by industry partners including Sunway Lagoon, Resort World Genting, Amari Hotel Johor Bahru, Tourism Selangor, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway Resort & Spa and KL Hop On Hop Off.

For more media releases, media info and media features on Malaysia’s tourism industry, kindly visit the Media Centre of Tourism Malaysia’s website at http://www.tourism.gov.my/

MALAYSIA TOURISM PROMOTION BOARD OR TOURISM MALAYSIA is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene. In 2019, Malaysia registered 26.1 million tourist arrivals and RM86.14 billion tourist receipts, placing it among the major tourism destinations of the world.

SOURCE: Tourism Malaysia

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Media Unit
Name: Muadz Samat
Assistant Director, Corporate Communication Division
Tel: +603 8891 8755
Email: muadz@tourism.gov.my

International Promotion Division (Southeast Asia)
Name: Suraya Hani Muhamad
Senior Tourism Officer
Tel: +603 8891 8264
Email: surayahani@tourism.gov.my

--BERNAMA