Malaysia expects more tourists from Australia and New Zealand

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia can expect more tourists from Australia and New Zealand as their currency remained strong against the ringgit, despite the strengthening ringgit. “We expect inbound tourism from Australia and New Zealand, as well as China and India to increase in the near future,” said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen. Mastercard spending during the 2010 Megasale period recorded Australians as the biggest spenders, followed by Singaporeans and Americans.

On Feb 4, the ringgit hit a 13-year high and was expected to steadily appreciate against the US dollar. While the ringgit had also strengthened against the euro and pound, it remained weaker to the Australian dollar. “The strengthening ringgit should not adversely affect foreign spending, as we have other incentives to attract tourist, like duty-free on luxury items,” said Dr Ng, during the launch of Christofle's flagship store in Starhill Gallery.

According to Dr Ng, shopping was a major contributor to the tourism economy in Malaysia and was expected to rise steadily over the next few years. In 2010, 27% of tourism earnings recorded was from shopping.
-thestar online.