KUALA LUMPUR: There was a 5% increase in tourist arrivals for the January-March period compared with the same period last year. There were 5.75 million tourist arrivals during the period compared with 5.46 million in the same period last year, said Tourism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng. He added that the Influenza A (H1N1) disease did not have any effect on tourist arrivals. “If you look at the figures, we have been registering positive growth. We don’t see any dampening effect at the moment,” he said during the Domestic Tourism Industry Players Merit Celebration of the Malaysia Tourism Award 2008/2009 yesterday.
“The ministry is expecting 24 million tourist arrivals for this year with a targeted revenue of RM56bil to RM57bil compared with 23.65 million tourist arrivals and RM53.4bil revenue last year.” Dr Ong said the increase in tourist arrivals was a result of the recovering global economy and an increase in the per capita income of tourists. “These are positive signs and we are optimistic in achieving the target,” he said.
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Tourism Malaysia needs an increased of 1.8% of tourist arrivals for the duration of year 2010 to achieve the arrival target. If 5% or more, it meant Tourism Malaysia will have another good year. It is about time the Government to recognise the achievement, and to reward Tourism Malaysia.
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