Malaysia tourist arrivals, spending on the rise
Malaysia welcomed 13.35 million in the first six months this year, and is hopeful it will meet its full year target.
Tourism, arts and culture minister Mohamaddin Ketapi says it marks a near 5% increase on 2018 and tourism spending grew nearly 7%.
Travellers from ASEAN bloc countries still dominate the inbound market, representing about 70% of tourism revenues, especially Singapore and Indonesia.
Even though a departure tax is rolling out next month, Mohamaddin is confident the full-year target of 28.1 million tourist arrivals is achievable.
"At the moment we have over 13 million and it is not the peak period yet for the tourists from some countries to come. We have several more months, we can achieve it," he said.
China is the top non-ASEAN market and will be a focus for promotional activities for Visit Malaysia Year 2020.
"As part of the promotion, the minister will also visit Guangzhou in conjunction with the International Travel Fair at the end of this month," said Tourism Malaysia director-general Musa Yusof.
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