Tourism Malaysia has launched the Malaysia Birdwatching Paradise 2023 package to promote this niche tourism segment among bird enthusiasts, both domestically and internationally, in order to increase the number of tourists arriving in Malaysia.
Initially, the Malaysia Birdwatching Paradise 2023 package was launched during the Asian Bird Fair 2023, which was held in mid-October at the Sabah International Convention Centre in Kota Kinabalu.
Malaysia Birdwatching Paradise 2023 Package Launched by Tourism Malaysia
During the launch, a total of 15 tour packages were offered by seven travel operators for travel periods beginning 14 October 2023 to 31 March 31 2024. These packages cover birdwatching activities in the states of Sabah, Sarawak, Pahang, Kedah, and Terengganu. The package offerings range from a four-hour birding in Langkawi to a 7-day, 6-night itinerary in Sarawak.
The seven travel operators involved in these packages are;
- Natural History Tours Sdn Bhd
- Ping Anchorage Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd
- Danz Travel & Adventure Sdn Bhd
- Borneo Nature Tours Sdn Bhd
- Tabin Wildlife Holidays Sdn Bhd
- Inter-Borneo Tours Sdn Bhd
- Borneo Birding Tours Sdn Bhd
During the launch of the Asian Bird Fair 2023, the officials mentioned that the target markets for birdwatching activities in Malaysia include the United Kingdom, the United States, Denmark, China, and Singapore.
In conjunction with the launch, Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, said:
The promotion of the birding segment aligns with our commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism. Malaysia is fortunate to have approximately 873 bird species, representing 7.4% of the global population.
Among them, 91 species are either endemic or nearly endemic and can only be found in this country. Therefore, Tourism Malaysia is ready to promote more niche tourism segments as birding offers a unique travel experience in Malaysia and has the potential to contribute to the economic growth of the tourism industry and local community.
Conclusion
Some of the bird species in Malaysia that have gained popularity among bird enthusiasts and highlighted in the package offerings include the Blue-banded Pitta, Bornean Frogmouth, Bornean Barbet, Mountain Serpent Eagle, Mountain Rail Babbler, Crested Shrikejay, Barred Eagle Owl, Oriental Bay Owl, Dulit Frogmouth, Black Oriole, Hose’s Broadbill, and Bornean Frogmouth.
Again, these Malaysia birdwatching packages by Tourism Malaysia are only available through the selected vendors mentioned above and have a validity period until the end of March 2024.
