Govt looking to address decreasing tourist arrivals

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is looking at ways to address the issue of decreasing tourist arrivals in Malaysia this year, which recorded a drop of 8.6% in the first quarter of 2015.
It is also looking into a proposal by the Tourism and Culture Ministry on its "Quick Wins" strategy in improving the situation.
This was the outcome of the cabinet committee for tourism meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin at Parliament House today.
The ministry in a statement said among the "Quick Wins" strategies discussed were to improve cooperation with international airline companies, increasing promotion via digital marketing as well as waiving visa requirements for tourists from China.
The meeting was also attended by, among others, Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
"Visit Malaysia Year 2014 was the most challenging year for the national tourism industry following several incidents such as the MH370, MH17, AirAsia QZ8501 crash, abduction in Sabah waters and floods in several states in Malaysia," the statement said.
"Nevertheless, the tourism industry stayed resilient and showed a positive increase, recording a total of 27.4 million in tourism arrivals in 2014, compared to 25.7 million in 2013, a growth of 6.7%.
"Revenue from tourism has increased by 10% which is RM72 billion compared to RM65.4 billion in 2013," it added.
It said based on a World Tourism Organisation barometer report, Malaysia has managed to retain its 13th position in 2014 in terms of international tourism receipts.
For international tourist arrivals, Malaysia was positioned 12th last year.