Tourist Arrivals From China Increasing - Tourism Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, March 8 (Bernama) -- The country's tourism sector, involving tourists from China, has recovered by an increase of 5.9 per cent from last October compared to the same period in October 2013 following the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH370 in 2014.

Tourism Malaysia (Planning) deputy director-general Chong Yoke Har said 118,289 tourists from China visited Malaysia last October compared to 111,730 in October 2013.

She said Tourism Malaysia was confident the exemption of visa fees for Chinese tourists to the country from last February 15 would attract more tourists from China this year.

"The government initiative to offer visa on arrival (VOA) to Chinese tourists entering Malaysia from Singapore at Sultan Abu Bakar Complex, Tanjung Kupang, Johor, from last Nov 1 can also attain the targeted entry of 29 million tourists from China this year," she told a media conference after officiating the 'Make It Malaysia 2015' programme jointly with 148 tourism agencies and media from China here Sunday.

Chong said Chinese tourists visited the country for shopping and relaxation in resorts besides enjoying the food.

"As the community in Malaysia is unique because it comprises various races and religions, the Chinese tourists have the opportunity to sample the traditional food of the diverse races besides Chinese food from the local Chinese community," she said.

She said they were also fond of beach resorts and frequently visited the islands found in Malaysia, including Pulau Pangkor, Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Perhentian and other islands found in Sabah.

The six-day 'Make It Malaysia 2015' programme which began yesterday until March 13, comprised interaction sessions with Tourism Malaysia staff and visits to various interesting tourist destinations in the federal capital and Genting Highlands.
-bernama.