UN lists Malaysia in top 10 for tourist arrivals

17 May 2010 2138 | World Travel News

Malaysia has entered the United Nations World Tourism Organisation?s (UNWTO) top ten list for tourist arrivals for 2009.

Despite the impact of the global financial crisis on worldwide tourism, Malaysia entered the list at number nine. Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said Malaysia moved up two places from 11th position in the 2008 rankings.   ?We?re very happy with this development,? she said.

Tourism brought in about RM52 billion to Malaysia last year from a total of 23.65 million tourist arrivals. For 2010, the target is RM54 billion in receipts from 24 million visitor arrivals. However, Dr Ng warned that Malaysian must not get complacent because it faces growing competition for visitors from countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia.

?We all must be sharp and alert on developments pertaining to the services and hospitality industry. It?s a very fragile (sector). Any negative issue, perceived or real, will have an impact on our tourism,? she said.

Sourced=Malasia-infocus