20 MILLION TOURIST ARRIVALS TARGETED THIS YEAR

PETALING JAYA, May 12 (Bernama) -- A total of 20 million tourists are
targeted to arrive this year compared to 22 million last year, Tourism Minister
Dr Ng Yen Yen said Tuesday.

"The tourist arrivals target has been reduced by eight percent. It is a
reasonable target in view of the current global economic situation. It is also
an achievable number," she told reporters after launching Malaysia Airlines'
one-stop ticket centre at the Skypark Subang Terminal here.

She said the ministry would cooperate with agencies like Malaysia Airlines
to undertake sales missions around the world to promote tourism activities.

The ministry also aimed to attract tourists to stay longer in Malaysia and
spend more money, she added.

Asked about the Golden Third Age (G3A) programme, Dr Ng said the ministry
was looking at countries like Japan and China.

"What is important now is for Malaysian tour operators and the various
source countries to work together. This G3A is a fantastic programme. The
initiatives of hotel and tour operators and airlines must come together. We will
provide supporting brochures," she said.

The G3A programme is aimed at encouraging senior citizens to go for
holidays.

On the impact of the H1N1 flu outbreak and meningitis on the tourism
industry, Dr Ng said there was a need to deliver correct information on this
matter.

"What is important is that we need to provide correct information to the
media and tourism groups so that the information is channelled to the public and
tourists coming to this country," she said.
-- BERNAMA