Malaysia's tourism industry growth hinges on effective strategies

KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 (Bernama) -- Deputy Tourism Minister Dr James
Dawos Mamit has called for creativity and innovation among industry players,
saying attractive tour packages and efficient service are keys to ensuring a
vibrant growth in the industry.

He said they should also continue to work hard to ensure satisfaction among
their clients.

"Create new attractions, offer competitive prices or discounts every year,
treat them nicely and be sincere in dealing with them," he told reporters after
opening the 31st Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents Fair (Matta
Fair 2011) at Putra World Trade Centre, here Friday.

Dawos said it was important for the industry to continue growing in line
with the ministry's target of attracting 36 million tourists, bringing RM168
billion (US$56 billion) tourism receipts, by 2020.

The industry, he said, was the second biggest contributor to the country's
economy, with a turnover of RM56.5 billion (US$18.83 billion) last year.

He said the ministry had implemented numerous initiatives to identify
potential markets by introducing places of attraction in Malaysia under the
tagline "Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)" and "Malaysia Truly Asia."

Dawos also said that the Malaysian tourism industry was not affected by the
turmoil in several Middle East countries.

In fact, he said, many of the people in the crisis-hit countries came to
Malaysia to avoid being dragged along in the uprising.

Last year, Malaysia recorded 116,252 arrivals from United Arab Emirates
compared to 101,664 in 2009, followed by 86,771 from Saudi Arabia, an increase
compared to 77,082 in 2009, he said, adding that Arab tourists spent an average
of RM7,000 (US$2,333) each during their visits to Malaysia.

Present were Matta president Mohd Khalid Harun and his deputy John Tan.

The three-day Matta Fair 2011 from Friday, targets 80,000 visitors and RM100
million (US$33.33 million) in sales.