Malaysia has announced it will launch a new visa waiver programme specifically for Chinese tour groups starting next month.
The temporary measure, aimed at boosting tourism and support national carrier Malaysia Airlines, will come into force from October 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak announced the move alongside a new tourist e-visa programme for major source markets of inbound tourism.
In addition the country will allocate MYR80 million for tourism promotion in ASEAN countries, India and China and invest MYR1.1 billion on infrastructure and repairs to tourists attractions and landmarks.
Xu Xiaolei, chief branding officer of aoyou.com, a division of China Youth Travel Service, said it is a positive move for Malaysia.
Similar easing of visa restrictions transformed Thailand and South Korea into major destinations for Chinese travellers, Xu said.
