MALAYSIA will focus on Chinese tourist arrivals because they are going to be one of the nation’s largest markets, said Dr Mahathir Mohamad after launching the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign logo at Kuala Lumpur International Airport today.
“Once we have solved the visa problems, I’m sure we will get millions of Chinese tourists,” said the prime minister, adding that the government was targeting more than 3 million arrivals from China.
Chinese visitors accounted for 2.94 million out of 25.8 million arrivals last year, with Singaporeans topping the list with 10.6 million arrivals.
Putrajaya wants 30 million visitors for the year 2020.
Meanwhile, the 94-year-old leader played down protests each time Malaysia tried to host a concert for a world class performing artist.
“The people who are protest are just the minority. We should cater to the majority, but they should also make their voices heard.
“The group of activists who protest are trying to show they are the majority in Malaysia when they are not,” said Dr Mahathir.
Among the artists who have encountered protests upon announcing a planned concert in Malaysia include Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez and Elton John.
In 2018, Malaysia attracted 25.8 million tourist arrivals with a tourism revenue of RM84.1 billion. Malaysia is also ranked 21 in the United Nations World Tourism Organisation 2019 Barometer Report.
In 2017, the tourism industry contributed 14.9% to the national economy compared to 10.4% in 2005.
The number of people employed in the tourism industry also increased to 3.4 million in 2017 from 1.5 million in 2005, making up 23.2% of the total labour force.
– https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/
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