RM21.8 billion from tourists arrival this year

IN the first five months of this year, Malaysia welcomed 9.45 million international tourists, resulting in the generation of RM21.8 billion in revenue.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said this was a 1.2 per cent increase in the number of tourists during the same period last year.

She told a press conference at the ministry here yesterday this was in line with the ministry's aim under the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan 2020 to reach 36 million tourists and RM168 billion in revenue by 2020.

Dr Ng said that from this year’s figures, the Asean region comprised the biggest number of tourist arrivals with 73 per cent.

The other countries which showed positive growths were Saudi Arabia with a 50.7 per cent jump from last year, China (30.6 per cent) and Russia (25.8 per cent). Singapore, however, showed a slight drop in tourists arrivals of six per cent drop.

"This is because in the past tourists from Europe and other nations who arrive via Singapore were counted as tourists from Singapore. This year, they are counted from their country of origin, regardless if their flight transited at Singapore or Bangkok, "she said.

She said 133,689 tourists, including Malaysians, visited ministry-registered homestays from January to May.

"From that figure, 23,367 were foreigners, showing an increase of 70.7 per cent. There is also an increase in revenue with RM7.37million this year compared to RM4.8 million in 2011."

Dr Ng said that to encourage greater tourist arrivals, the Tourism Ministry had been working with international airlines to organise scheduled charter flights for countries which did not have direct flights to Malaysia.

"This is to provide tourists a chance to visit Malaysia especially during their winter seasons," she said.

A total of 2,647 tourists from Russia, South Korea and regions in China arrived on 300 such flights this year alone, generating RM157million.

"For this, the ministry has allocated RM22.8million to promote this and support international airlines in their efforts," she said.

Dr Ng also announced that another RM1.2 million had been set aside to light up Kuala Lumpur city centre and Bukit Bintang by the end of Ramadan.

She further showcased discount cards for tourists by the Bukit Bintang Tourism Council.

"We will distribute these card to our tourist offices in Japan, Australia and more to support the council," she said.

Currently, 10,000 tourists own the discount card which accords its holder rebates between five to 20 per cent when purchasing goods one of 5,000 listed branded goods.

Sourced: mmail