The Mesra Malaysia Course is a hospitality training module developed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) to raise the standard of service among frontliners across Malaysia’s tourism industry. At GIT Academy, we conduct this course for individuals working directly or indirectly in tourism — and for aspiring tourist guides, it’s a compulsory step before your MOTAC guide licence can be issued.
What Is the Mesra Malaysia Course?
Mesra Malaysia was introduced by MOTAC to replace the older We Are The Host (WATH) module, which had been in use since 2014. It was built to give frontline tourism workers — from tourist guides to transport and hospitality staff — practical, up-to-date training in delivering excellent visitor experiences.
The course runs for one day and is open to frontliners, tourism industry players, and anyone whose work touches the visitor experience, whether directly or indirectly. It can only be delivered by instructors certified as Mesra Malaysia Master Trainers under MOTAC — GIT Academy’s trainers meet this requirement.
Mesra Malaysia has also become a national priority heading into Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026): in February 2026, MOTAC launched the “Kempen Mesra Malaysia” campaign at KL Sentral to strengthen hospitality standards among frontline transport and tourism workers nationwide, with partners including Malaysia Airports and Grab Malaysia taking part.
Prerequisite for Tourist Guides: If you’re working toward your MOTAC Tourist Guide Licence, Mesra Malaysia isn’t optional — it’s a mandatory step. MOTAC will not license a tourist guide who hasn’t completed this course, so most students take it alongside or shortly after their main Tourist Guide Course at GIT Academy.
What You'll Learn
- A clear picture of the current direction of Malaysia's tourism industry
- Strong customer service skills to deliver better experiences to visitors
- Effective communication techniques, including how to recognise and work around common communication barriers
- The hospitality values expected of anyone representing Malaysia's tourism sector
Who Should Attend
- Candidates completing their MOTAC Tourist Guide licensing requirements
- Licensed tourist guides looking to refresh their service skills
- Frontline staff in hotels, airports, transport, and travel agencies
- Anyone working directly or indirectly within the tourism industry
Certification
Every participant who completes the course receives an official Course Participation Certificate issued by MOTAC — proof that you’ve met this part of your licensing or professional development requirements.
Why Take Mesra Malaysia With GIT Academy
Certified Master Trainers
Our instructors are trained and certified by MOTAC to deliver this exact module.
30+ Years in Tourism Training
GIT Academy has trained more than 10,000 students since 1994.
Convenient Scheduling
Runs alongside our Tourist Guide Course intakes so you're not making a separate trip.
Kuala Lumpur Location
Easy to reach at Wisma LTS, Jalan Pudu.
Life at GIT Academy
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for anyone applying for a MOTAC Tourist Guide Licence, it’s a required prerequisite before the licence can be issued.
It’s a one-day course.
Only instructors certified as Mesra Malaysia Master Trainers by MOTAC are permitted to conduct it — GIT Academy’s trainers are certified.
A Course Participation Certificate issued directly by MOTAC.
No. The course is open to frontliners and anyone directly or indirectly involved in the tourism industry, regardless of prior experience.
Mesra Malaysia replaced WATH, which had been used since 2014. If you previously completed WATH, check with MOTAC or GIT Academy on whether it still satisfies your licensing requirement.
Ready to Complete Your Mesra Malaysia Requirement?
Join our next intake in Kuala Lumpur, taught by MOTAC-certified Master Trainers.
See our students in action at GIT Events, or catch up on the latest Malaysia Tourism News.