Zalina, native of Kuala Lumpur, brings over twenty years of tourism experience spent in the role of Deputy Director within the Tourism Malaysia organisation, where she successfully led tourism operations and generated a positive growth. She earned a Bachelor in Business Administration from MARA University of Technology and a Master in Tourism Management from the same Institute.

In her role as Director of Tourism Malaysia based in Paris, Zalina Ahmad will focus primarily on the marketing, promotion and development of Malaysian tourism in France, Italy, Spain and Portugal. Her main task is to create a strong awareness of Malaysia's attractiveness as a destination for leisure, MICE and business travel.

Prior to joining Tourism Malaysia Paris, she was the Head of Bilateral Unit under the ASEAN Division of Tourism Malaysia. Zalina has also held various positions in Tourism Malaysia, including 4 years in New Zealand as Director of Tourism Malaysia Auckland.

Malaysia, a multicultural population of 34 million, is blessed with exceptional tourism assets: lush tropical rainforest with eco-adventure, a harmonious blend of diverse culture, arts and tradition, a melting pot of gastronomy, adventure, shopping and much more.

“With the rapid development of digital and travel technology, Malaysia is at the forefront of welcoming European travellers from France, Spain, Italy and Portugal who are looking for unique travel experiences. Thanks to the travel agents and airlines for bringing travellers to Malaysia,” said Zalina Ahmad, Director of Tourism Malaysia Paris.

Zalina, who has been with Tourism Malaysia since 2002, is also responsible for promoting cultural exchange and developing strategic partnerships and collaborations with various airlines, travel and trade experts, the media and influencers.

In the course of her work at Tourism Malaysia, she has led and participated in a number of international travel fairs, roadshows and sales missions in Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. These include the Moscow Travel Fair, World Expo Zaragoza and WTM London.

With 22 years of experience in the tourism industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in tourism to attract travellers to Malaysia ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.

Information:

www.malaysia.travel

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene.

The next Visit Malaysia Year, set to take place in 2026, will commemorate the sustainability of the nation's tourism industry, which is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

Contacts Tourism Malaysia Paris

Zalina AHMAD – Director Tourism Malaysia
Alina GROTTE, Marketing Manager - Tourism Malaysia Tel: +33 1 42 97 41 71 - Email: malaisie@sfr.fr