Ministry eyes 7 million inbound tourists

KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) aims to attract 7 million inbound tourists to Malaysia this year. 
 
Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said this effort involves collaboration with industry players, including the Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association (MICA), and leverages the visa-free policy launched in December 2023.
 
He expressed optimism about the tourism prospects, highlighting the substantial surge in arrivals from China and India since the implementation of the visa waiver policy.
 
“In November 2023, Malaysia welcomed 124,000 visitors from China and 52,000 from India. This number grew significantly in December, with 168,000 tourists from China and 84,000 from India, reflecting a robust month-on-month increase of 35.1 per cent and 60.9 per cent respectively. 
 
“These statistics greatly enhance our confidence in promoting Malaysia Tourism for the remainder of the year,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday (Feb 1).
 
Emphasising the commitment to Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality (MFTH), Tiong also asserted that MOTAC targets at least 1 million tourist arrivals this year.
 
Tiong, who is Bintulu MP, expressed confidence in the ministry’s initiatives, calling for support from industry players, Malaysians, state governments, and local tourism expos. 
 
This collective effort, he stressed, is aimed at enhancing the overall promotion and development of the tourism sector.
 
Earlier, Tiong attended the Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association National Annual Dinner 2024. 
 
As a gesture of support, he announced the allocation of RM50,000 to MICA for their efforts in boosting, educating, and promoting the inbound tourism industry.
 
Towards this end, he extended warm wishes for good health, harmony, prosperity, and success to all as the country celebrates the new lunar year.
 
“In Chinese culture, we believe the Year of the Dragon bodes a promise of great prosperity and fortune to everyone befitting the might and majesty of the Dragon. 
 
“I pray that this year would bring us closer together with MICA and lead to more inbound tourism. 
 
“Indeed, 2024 is also predicted to be a great year to start new projects, explore new opportunities, and most important is to create value for our tourism industry,” said Tiong.