AsiaPacific to get greater share of global tourist market

Asia-Pacific countries will enjoy increased share of the global tourist market, from 22 per cent to 30 per cent in 2030, as World Tourism Organisation forecasted international tourist arrivals to reach one billion tourists in 2012, and 1.8 billion by 2030.

Tan Sri Dato' Hj Muhyiddin Hj Mohd Yassin, the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia said this yesterday during the opening of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Annual Conference themed "Building the Business Beyond Profits".

According to Tan Sri Dato' Hj Muhyiddin, Malaysia expects its tourism industry to contribute US$34.53 billion in Gross National Income by 2020, with arrivals increasing to 36 million in that year.The growth of tourism in the Asia-Pacific is due to collective efforts made by PATA member countries.

"With the process of globalisation and development occurring rapidly, private entities in the Asia-Pacific regions must fully comprehend and appreciate the fact that nature and green environment must not be sacrificed for the sake of expanding commercial margins," said Tan Sri Dato' Hj Muhyiddin.

He noted Malaysia's recognition as the third best in Asia-Pacific and 25th best among 132 countries worldwide last year in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI). Malaysia's EPI position in 2010 was 54th among 163 countries around the world and sixth in the Asia-Pacific region.

Source - brunei-online