Tourism Malaysia expected to toe 12 February deadline

The Tourism Malaysia pitch, which was pulled into the spotlight after the ISC Group’s withdrawal last week, has thrown up a rehash of leading-up events.

The pitch was first called on 16 August last year, to address the contracts that would expire 31 December 2010. About 34 agencies pitched for the RM600 million (US$198 million) business that would be grouped into five markets, including Southeast Asia, North and East Asia, South and West Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. 

Following allegations of corruption of some members in the Tourism Malaysia board, Azizan Noordin, former deputy director-general of planning was appointed acting director-general of Tourism Malaysia.

On 1 January, when the new contracts were expected to commence, no official announcement on the status of the pitch was made.

However, 12 February signals the end of the tender’s 180-day validity period, meaning it is the final deadline for Tourism Malaysia to legally conclude the pitch, and announce which five agencies are selected.