The outlook for the vacation ownership scheme remains positive due to its popularity, judging by its annual sale of about RM100 million in the country.
Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday said the vacation owner scheme, popularly known as timeshare, would extract the optimum mileage out of the state’s tourism-related assets.
“With an annual sale of about RM100 million in Malaysia’s timeshare industry alone, and with improved product features and quality customer services, the outlook for the timeshare sector remains positive amidst encouraging growth potential in the future.”
Abang Johari said this during the launch of Easturia Vacation Club (EVC) by Sara Worldwide Vacations Bhd, a subsidiary of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).
“Although Asian and Asia Pacific residents account for most vacation ownership sales today, most exchange visitors to the region come from the United States and Europe.
“This is indeed a major breakthrough as it will not only place Sarawak on the world tourism map but lock in repeated business from foreign visitors over the long term,” he added.
In his speech, the minister urged public and private tourism players to pool their resources and work together to remain resilient in these trying times.
Abang Johari mentioned that some of the challenges faced by the industry were weakening global economy and unpredictable oil prices which affect air travel costs.
He told tourism industry players to work closely with each other in creating new and innovative ways to promote the state in order to remain competitive in the Asian tourism market.
The minister urged those in the industry to explore the potential in medical tourism.
The state’s goal was to be the top name for visitors to Malaysia.
“The Ministry of Tourism encourages our tourism players to continually upgrade and improve their products and services to remain competitive in view of the stiff competition from other established destinations like Phuket, Bali and Singapore,” he said.
Also present yesterday were Assistant Minister of Tourism and SEDC chairman Datuk Talip Zulpilip, EVC chief executive officer Norlia Sapawi and Resorts Condominium International (RCI) business development director Gavin Cheong.
