22 January 2023
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) is targeting the arrival of five million tourists from China this year compared to 3.1 million in 2019, says Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
![Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (centre) during a press conference at the Tourist Arrival Reception in conjunction with the 2023 Chinese New Year Celebration at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) today. BERNAMAPIX](/wp-content/uploads/travel-news-06.webp)
Tiong said the target was set following China’s decision to reopen its borders on Jan 8 after three years of restrictions following the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are happy to see tourists arriving in the country to drive the tourism sector and the national economy.
“I wish them a warm welcome to Malaysia and hope that tourists from other countries will also visit Malaysia,“ he said during a press conference after presenting souvenirs in conjunction with the Chinese New Year to tourists from Hong Kong and China who arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here today.
He said the target was expected to be achieved when China would allow group tour services to 20 countries including Malaysia to resume on Feb 6.
The other 19 countries listed are Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Singapore, Laos, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Russia, Switzerland, Hungary, New Zealand, Fiji, Cuba and Argentina.
Tiong also assured that every Chinese tourist would undergo a Covid-19 screening test in their country before coming to Malaysia, and urged all Malaysians to continue to prioritise their own health and maintain standard operating procedures (SOP) to curb the spread of the disease.
“Even if Covid-19 is still there, we have to move on and take care of our own health,“ he said while urging various parties to work with Motac to promote tourism and help revitalise the sector.
Recently the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) was reported to have said it had complete faith in the Ministry of Health to manage the arrival of Chinese tourists, just as they did with other travellers from around the world.
– Bernama
- Batik Air collaborates with umrah tour operators from Malaysia, Indonesia
- MOTAC set to launch Ramadan Package for international tourists
- Malaysia rolls out the red carpet for 35 Chinese imams on Imam Familiarisation Trip
- Are there more skyscrapers in KL than the whole continent of Europe?
- The world’s busiest flight routes and airports in 2023
- A new terminal at the KKIA is just a short-term solution
- Sabah needs new airport, KKIA has no room, says consultant
- Malaysian aviation sector to see 4% growth in 2024, boosted by fleet expansion and resurgence of tourism, says MIDF
- KLIA gets Level 2 accreditation from ACI for exceptional customer experience
- Domestic airport tariffs likely unchanged, but international PSC to rise
Source: www.thesundaily.my
Site Search
Did you find what you are looking for? Try out the enhanced Google Search: