Sri Lankan tourists to Malaysia increased by 34.8% in 2008 to 42,774 compared to the previous year although the target for 2009 has been revised downwards to 40,000 given the global economic downturn.
Tourism Malaysia’s Director for South Asia, West Asia and Africa Division Zulkefli Sharif was in Colombo, spearheading a Malaysian delegation comprising of 14 tour operators and other tourism-related organization. During the sales mission which also included stops in several Indian cities, the delegation is to meet with tour operators, conduct travel mart sessions and meet with key tourism industry players.
At a news briefing chaired by Mr Sharif, it was announced that Tourism Malaysia is launching a special offer for local tourists to Malaysia in order to stimulate the outbound movement of Sri Lankans with a Rs.45,000 package per person for a three night, four day stay in Kuala Lumpur. This low price is inclusive of airfare and the fuel surcharge in addition to accommodations and will be available from the beginning of March to the end of April. Visitors will also have the option to extend their stay and travel to other Malaysian destinations such as Penang and Langkawi. “We want people to explore the entire country,” Mr. Sharif said.
Tourist arrivals in Malaysia for January 2009 numbered just over 1.8 million, up 5.1% from the same month in 2008. There were a total of 22.5 million tourists for the year 2008, up 5% from 2007, which brought in US$12 billion in revenue for the country, making it the second largest foreign exchange earner after manufacturing.
Although the ASEAN neighbouring countries such as Singpaore, Thailand and Brunei still account for 75% of the total arrivals in Malaysia, the tourism authority is keen to increase arrivals from countries such as Sri Lanka, India, China, Japan, the United Kingdom and other long haul destinations. (NG) |
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