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Malaysia on track to achieve VMY targets
SINGAPORE, Aug 17, 2014:
Despite the twin aircraft tragedies and the Sabah intrusions, Malaysia is on track to achieve its Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) growth target in terms of tourist arrivals by year’s end, said Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab.
“VMY is on track in terms of our number target.
“This is in spite of major challenges starting from the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, then a few incidents of security in Sabah and finally the downing of MAS Flight MH17.
“Despite all that, I am pleased to report the arrivals from neighbouring countries, particularly Singapore and Indonesia, have actually more than covered the setbacks that we got from markets like China in particula,” he told Bernama.
Mirza was here to attend a Malaysian production and musical theatre Bahayanya Wanita (The Dangers of a Woman) at the Star Theatre@the Star Performing Arts Centre here on Saturday.
Among artistes performing were Zizan Razak, Umie Aida, Erra Fazira, Erma Fatima, Lana Nordin, Johan As’ari and Nora Danish.
Malaysia High Commissioner to Singapore Datuk Husni Zai Yaacob and wife Datin Norshiha Hasbullah, and Tourism Malaysia director for Singapore Noor Aine Ismail were among dignitaries who attended.
According to Mirza, the regional market had been supportive, with 10% growth month to month until May.
“We hope the China (tourists) comes back. If they come back, we will be on a very strong footing.”
Mirza said the drop in tourist arrivals was a temporary setback and believed that with more effort they would be able to woo them back to Malaysia.
Following the missing MH370 incident, there was a reported reduction in the number of tourists from China to Malaysia.
Touching on the theatre, Mirza said the Tourism Board supported the efforts of the organiser in introducing this Malaysian production to the Singapore audience.
“We hope this kind of activity will generate revenue for the artistes and promoters.
“It will also help to bridge better understanding between the people of both countries.”
He said the long-term aim was to have a better understanding by exchange of visits.
The VMY 2014 initiative targets 28 million international tourist arrivals and RM76 billion in tourist receipts.
