ID :
33744
Wed, 12/03/2008 - 17:54
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/33744
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THREE ADDITIONAL STRATEGIES TO WOO TOURISTS, SAYS M'SIAN DPM
PUTRAJAYA, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will introduce three additional
strategies to attract more tourists next year in the face of the global
economic downturn and the security problems faced by several countries, said
Najib Tun Razak.
The Deputy Prime Minister said a Convention and Exhibition Bureau would be
set up with an initial grant of RM5 million (US$1=RM3.63) to act as a
one-stop-centre to coordinate activities to turn the country into a convention
and exhibition destination.
Incentives would also be given to those holding conventions and exhibitions
which gave high impact to the country, he told reporters after chairing a
meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Tourism, here Wednesday.
The additional strategy also involved a review of the 'Malaysia My Second
Home' programme to make it more attractive by overcoming existing constraints
such as matters concerning the participant's investment, funds and
occupation.
Emphasis would also be given to health tourism and eco-tourism to attract
more tourists, he said.
Najib said with the three additional strategies, Malaysia was expected to
attract 20 million tourists next year while without the strategies, the country
was expected to attract only 18 million visitors.
Tourist arrivals this year were projected to be 22 million, a shortfall of
500,000 from the original target, he said, adding that there were 17.5 million
tourists in 2006 and 20.97 million in 2007.
Asked whether current developments in Thailand would affect tourist
arrivals to this country, he said the developments could also be a factor for
them to come to this country.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Azalina Othman Said said Malaysia
was expected to earn RM44 billion (US$1=RM3.63) in foreign exchange from the
projected entry of 22 million tourists to this country this year.
Next year, Malaysia was expected to earn RM40 million in foreign exchange
with the projected entry of 20 million visitors, she said.
She also disclosed that there were 10,000 participants of the 'Malaysia My
Second Home' programme currently.
Tourism was the second largest contributor in terms of foreign exchange
earnings after the manufacturing sector last year. The tourism sector also
contributed 7.2 per cent to the country's economic growth.
-- BERNAMA
strategies to attract more tourists next year in the face of the global
economic downturn and the security problems faced by several countries, said
Najib Tun Razak.
The Deputy Prime Minister said a Convention and Exhibition Bureau would be
set up with an initial grant of RM5 million (US$1=RM3.63) to act as a
one-stop-centre to coordinate activities to turn the country into a convention
and exhibition destination.
Incentives would also be given to those holding conventions and exhibitions
which gave high impact to the country, he told reporters after chairing a
meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Tourism, here Wednesday.
The additional strategy also involved a review of the 'Malaysia My Second
Home' programme to make it more attractive by overcoming existing constraints
such as matters concerning the participant's investment, funds and
occupation.
Emphasis would also be given to health tourism and eco-tourism to attract
more tourists, he said.
Najib said with the three additional strategies, Malaysia was expected to
attract 20 million tourists next year while without the strategies, the country
was expected to attract only 18 million visitors.
Tourist arrivals this year were projected to be 22 million, a shortfall of
500,000 from the original target, he said, adding that there were 17.5 million
tourists in 2006 and 20.97 million in 2007.
Asked whether current developments in Thailand would affect tourist
arrivals to this country, he said the developments could also be a factor for
them to come to this country.
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Azalina Othman Said said Malaysia
was expected to earn RM44 billion (US$1=RM3.63) in foreign exchange from the
projected entry of 22 million tourists to this country this year.
Next year, Malaysia was expected to earn RM40 million in foreign exchange
with the projected entry of 20 million visitors, she said.
She also disclosed that there were 10,000 participants of the 'Malaysia My
Second Home' programme currently.
Tourism was the second largest contributor in terms of foreign exchange
earnings after the manufacturing sector last year. The tourism sector also
contributed 7.2 per cent to the country's economic growth.
-- BERNAMA
