Big growth for Malaysia
Malaysia started 2008 with tourist arrivals totalling 1,780,134 in January, up 3.4% from 1,721,786 in January 2007.
Double digit growths were also recorded from many countries including a 29.1% increase from Australia (38,868) when compared to the same period last year.
Director of Tourism Malaysia Sydney, Mr Shahrin Mokhtar, says the tourism board’s promotional efforts around Australia coupled with additional flights to Malaysia via low cost carriers have undoubtedly contributed to the increase in visitor numbers to the country.
“Since Jetstar began its operations from Sydney to KL in September last year, followed by Air Asia X from the Gold Coast in November, tourist arrivals have increased consistently with the additional capacity,†says Shahrin.
“By working closely with all carriers and being creative with various awareness campaigns to showcase the different sides of Malaysia, we are confident that Australian travellers to the country will continue to rise significantly this year.
“For a country so rich in history and made up of such diversity in terms of people, culture, landscape, architecture, adventure, wildlife – and much more – it is often not easily understood or digested by travellers.
“With that in mind, we will embark on new and different approaches this year to provide the public with a broader picture of what Malaysia has to offer,†says Shahrin.
Malaysia’s new visitor target for 2008 is 22.5 million, up 5% from the original target of 21.5 million.
A Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026