Manoharan Periasamy has been appointed as the new director general of Tourism Malaysia effective 26 February 2024.
Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture has appointed Manoharan Periasamy as Tourism Malaysia’s new director general under Section 10 of the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992 (Act 481), with effect from 26 February 2024, as announced by Tourism Malaysia in a statement yesterday.
Manoharan, who previously served as the Director of the International Promotion Division (Asia & Africa) (Covering Deputy Director-General (Planning)), has been appointed to replace Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar.
A graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences with Honors (Political Science) from the National University of Malaysia (UKM), Manoharan has 33 years of extensive experience in various tourism marketing and promotional activities, as well as strong relationships with industry stakeholders domestically and internationally.
During his tenure at Tourism Malaysia, Manoharan has held positions such as Senior Director of the Advertising & Digital Division, Director of Package Development Division, and Director of Corporate Communications Division.
Additionally, he has also played a significant role in leading the country’s tourism promotion activities in South Asia when appointed as Director of Tourism Malaysia Mumbai and Director of Tourism Malaysia New Delhi in India from 2000 until early 2016.
During that period, Malaysia received several international recognitions through awards such as the Lonely Planet India Travel Award (Best Destination for Family), Lonely Planet India Travel Award (Best Destination for Food & Drink), Travel + Leisure Award (Best Green Destination (World)), and Conde Nast Traveller Award (Favorite Emerging Oversea Destination).
