The news comes in the same week as Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism called for a creative pitch with a view to boost flagging tourism numbers.
Malaysian agencies are to be invited via a government tender as early as the beginning of September. New contracts will be awarded in January when the contracts of the incumbent agencies run out.
In Indonesia, more than ten agencies have been invited to make presentations with a brief to devise an campaign and create logos to mark the forthcoming "Visit Indonesia" year. One Jakarta source commented: “We always see India and Malaysia’s tourism ads on TV, but do you see anything to promote Indonesia’s attractions?”
The Tourism Malaysia account is split between eleven agencies including TBWA/ISC - which created the “Malaysia, Truly Asia” campaign - for Europe, M&C Saatchi for Oceania, Naga DDB for special events and DDB International for meetings and exhibitions.
Malaysia is Southeast Asia's most touristed country, with 28 million visitors expected this year, while Indonesia expects five million visitors in 2007.
