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
