While the impacts on inbound tourism of Malaysia’s departure tax are still uncertain, it should be deferred to after the end of the Visit Truly Asia Malaysia 2020 campaign, the country’s travel agency trade group says.
It sends the wrong message for a country aiming to attract more overseas visitors and should be postponed, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) honorary secretary general Nigel Wong said.
"In general, Matta feels that the tax should be deferred until after the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign — at least," he said, during a media briefing for the Matta Fair 2019.
Wong says it is unclear to what extent the levy will impact visitor numbers. Still, it makes the year-long tourism promotion campaign for Visit Malaysia 2020 more problematic.
Tourism, arts and culture minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi is more optimistic and has voiced support for the departure tax.
The levy will raise about RM1 billion annually, the ministry says.
Meanwhile Wong says the upcoming Matta Fair will be the biggest yet.
Taking place from September 6-8, there will be 1,389 booths, up from 1,336 last time.
