Malaysia looks to strengthen ecotourism ties with German adventure tour operator

SIBU (March 6): Malaysia is seeking to strengthen international cooperation to boost its ecotourism and cultural tourism sectors, following discussions with a German adventure tour operator, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

The minister made the remark after meeting representatives of Germany-based adventure tour operator Diamir Erlebnisreisen GmbH, including managing director Jörg Ehrlich and product manager Kathleen Wagner, to explore potential collaboration.

Diamir, a renowned nature-based tour operator in Germany, specialises in immersive adventure travel experiences worldwide.

Ehrlich shared that he spent two weeks in Malaysia last year, exploring Borneo’s natural ecosystems, including Kota Kinabalu and the Kinabatangan River, experiencing the region’s unique wildlife and rainforest environment.

“He said these ecological attractions have strong appeal in the German market,” said Tiong in his Facebook post, citing Ehrlich’s feedback during their discussion.

According to the Bintulu MP, Diamir has currently developed 16 travel packages related to Malaysia, in collaboration with selected hotels as part of its product network.

“The company also plans to intensify the promotion of Malaysia through its network of travel agencies and media channels to further raise the country’s tourism profile in Germany, Austria and Switzerland,” he said.

Tiong highlighted that Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, combined with its natural assets, can further enhance its tourism offerings.

“Among them are orangutan conservation experiences in Sabah and Sandakan, as well as plans to introduce jungle-based adventure tourism and eco-adventure products in the future to attract younger travellers and the adventure tourism market.

“I hope this cooperation can continue to be strengthened through closer exchanges and promotional efforts in the future, so that more European tourists can discover Malaysia’s natural beauty and diverse cultural heritage,” added Tiong.