As per the MoU framework, classroom-style workshop will be conducted for members every week on Thursday and Friday by Malaysia Tourism representatives. “We are working together to facilitate training and education for travel companies and their front line staff across the country. The training will consist of product knowledge and development beyond Kuala Lumpur. This will help travel companies to sell Malaysia in its entirety, effectively,” said Bhatia.
In the first phase set to begin next week, plans are afoot to train 300 agents and frontliners till September. Nearly 10-15 agents will be educated through three-hour sessions each day. “Trainings will commence in Mumbai, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Odisha and Goa, and depending on the response the programme will be conducted across India. This MoU is an exclusively year-long arrangement,” said Antia.
On completion of the training, participants will be issued co-branded Malaysia Master certificates. “Through this initiative, we are planning to focus on offbeat destinations such as Sabah and Sarawak. It is a win-win situation for the board as well the agents,” said Azmi.
Alongside the training, each company will have to draft five packages and itineraries and submit it to Malaysia Tourism. After a review of the packages, top 10 select agents will be taken on a familiarization trip to Malaysia to offer first-hand knowledge of the destination.