400,000 Filipino tourists targeted

MANILA: Malaysia is targeting at least 400,000 tourists from the Phi­lippines this year, said Tourism Mi nister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen. Last year, 362,101 Philippines tou rists visited the country.

“The airline representatives have agreed to increase the frequency of flights to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Ki na balu from March. “From March 25, MAS will increase its flights to three times a day; SEAIR would fly three times a week from Clarke Fields to Kota Kinabalu, Zest Air will likely start flights from mid year and AirAsia is looking at increasing flights,” said Dr Ng when speaking to Malaysian media here just after a meeting representatives of five airline operators here.

Later, she held a meeting with Phi lip pines Secretary of Tourism Ramon Jimenez Jr to discuss bilateral collaboration in tourism. Present were the countries res pective ambassadors Datuk Seri Dr Ibrahim Saadand J. Eduardo Mala ya. Dr Ng added that they planned to use each other’s strong connectivity with different regions and markets. She added that they had also invited the Philippines to join an international tourism exhibition and fair in KL on May 31.

Dr Ng was also in Manila to host a luxury Malaysia Gala Lunch in conjunction with the 13th edition of the Islamic Fashion Festival.

-thestar online.