Wednesday 27 March 2024

Domestic tourism rises across the board

 


PUTRAJAYA: Domestic tourism in Malaysia surged 16.1% with a total of 54.3 million visitors recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023 (Q4 2023) compared with the same period the previous year, according to a report released by the Statistics Department.


Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said based on a quarter-on-quarter comparison, domestic visitors increased by 1.6% from the third quarter of 2023.


He said domestic tourism expenditure for the second quarter of 2023 was RM23.8bil, an increase of 29.5% year-on-year, and a 18.5% from the previous quarter, Bernama reported.


“Overall, Malaysia’s domestic tourism in 2023 recorded 210.9 million visitors, an increase of 22.9% compared with a year ago.

“Domestic tourism expenditure for 2023 was RM84.9bil, up 32.5% compared with last year.


“However, both statistics were still below pre-pandemic levels (2019) with domestic visitors recorded down by 11.8% and expenditure down by 17.7 %,” he said in a statement.


Mohd Uzir said theme park revenue increased 49.2% year-on-year, followed by domestic airport arrivals (+1.7%), highway traffic (+10.9%), and retail sales of automotive fuel (+3.4%).


Meanwhile, the accommodation revenue index also increased by 12.5%, while the occupancy rate for five-star hotels rose 2.1%, followed by four-star hotels (+0.7%), and three-star hotels (+14.8%).


Occupancy rate by location at hills and towns was up 2.2% and 2.6%, respectively, compared with the same quarter last year.

-thestar online.

Tuesday 26 March 2024

Pelancong tempatan belanja RM84.9 bilion tahun lalu

 

Tahun 2023 merekodkan seramai 210.9 juta pelawat domestik -NSTP/SAIFULLIZAN TAMADI

PUTRAJAYA: Perbelanjaan pelancongan domestik meningkat 32.5 peratus kepada RM84.9 bilion pada 2023, demikian menurut Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia (DOSM).

Ketua Perangkawan Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, berkata secara keseluruhannya, prestasi pelancongan domestik Malaysia bagi tahun 2023 merekodkan 210.9 juta pelawat, meningkat 22.9 peratus berbanding setahun sebelumnya.

"Walau bagaimanapun, kedua-dua statistik ini masih di bawah paras prapandemik pada 2019, dengan jumlah pelawat dan perbelanjaan pelancongan domestik masing-masing 11.8 peratus dan 17.7 peratus lebih rendah," katanya dalam satu kenyataan, hari ini.

Bagi suku keempat 2023, pelancongan domestik di Malaysia merekodkan 54.3 juta pelawat, melonjak 16.1 peratus berbanding suku yang sama tahun sebelumnya.

Sementara itu, bagi perbandingan suku tahun ke suku tahun, pelawat domestik meningkat 1.6 peratus.

Bagi perbelanjaan pelancongan domestik, ia mencatatkan RM23.8 bilion, menandakan peningkatan 29.5 peratus tahun ke tahun dan kenaikan 18.5 peratus suku tahun ke suku tahun.

Mengulas lanjut mengenai prestasi berkaitan industri pelancongan pada suku keempat 2023, Mohd Uzir berkata indeks hasil taman tema meningkat 49.2 peratus tahun ke tahun, diikuti ketibaan di lapangan terbang domestik (1.7 peratus), trafik lebuh raya (10.9 peratus) dan jualan runcit bahan api (3.4 peratus).

Sementara itu, katanya indeks hasil penginapan juga meningkat dengan merekodkan 12.5 peratus.

"Kadar penghunian hotel lima bintang meningkat 2.1 peratus, diikuti oleh hotel empat bintang (0.7 peratus) dan hotel tiga bintang (14.8 peratus).

"Kadar penghunian mengikut lokasi di bukit dan bandar masing-masing meningkat 2.2 peratus dan 2.6 peratus, berbanding suku tahun yang sama tahun lalu," katanya.

-Berita Harian.

Monday 25 March 2024

Astaka Tourism Malaysia @ MATTA Fair 2024 Mac - Hari Ketiga, 24 Mac 2024

 

-Tourism Malaysia.

Kalendar Acara Pelancongan Negeri Perak bagi bulan April 2024


Kalendar Acara Pelancongan Negeri Perak bagi bulan April 2024

Moh rancang percutian & perjalanan kome ke negeri Perak sempena Tahun Melawat Perak 2024.

Kemaskini keseluruhan kalendar acara boleh dilihat di pautan : https://linktr.ee/tourismperak...

Nota: Segala perubahan program & tarikh adalah tertakluk kepada penganjur. Sebarang perubahan akan dikemaskini dari masa ke semasa

-Tourism Perak.

Astaka Tourism Malaysia @ MATTA Fair 2024 Mac - Hari Kedua, 23 Mac 2024

 -Tourism Malaysia.

Astaka Tourism Malaysia @ MATTA Fair 2024 Mac - Hari Pertama, 22 Mac 2024

-Tourism Malaysia.

Saturday 23 March 2024

Sabah banks on diverse camping attractions to woo more tourists, says Joniston

 


KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah is branding itself as a "healing destination" with a focus on camping. Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said that travellers were increasingly seeking holistic adventure experiences alongside relaxation and fun.


"Sabah has a lot of avenues for camping destinations. "From Kadamaian, Kundasang, and Kokol Hill, to the beaches in Kudat, and rural areas like the Rundum Highlands in Tenom, each location has its unique landscapes, views, and cultures, making Sabah a versatile destination that caters to all interests.

"What makes the experience more fulfilling is that the majority of these camping sites are empowered by community-based tourism.

"This demonstrates the success of this initiative," he said following Sabah's participation in the Matta Fair 2024 held here.

During the event at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) from March 22 to 24, the Sabah Tourism Board will showcase various camping attractions and adventure spots across the state.

A total of 22 travel and tour agents from Sabah participated in the 54th edition of the MATTA Fair, which is held twice a year.

The Sabah Tourism Board led the Sabah zone with 10 booths, where they offered a travel rebate of "Token Rehat Minda" worth up to RM 150 in a single receipt made from a purchased Sabah tour package.

"MATTA Fair is an important and significant domestic consumer travel fair in Malaysia, and we will continue to be actively present.

"STB will study the trend in travel preferences of the domestic market to keep our destinations exciting. "I remain optimistic that with our attractive destinations from mountain-high to ocean-deep, Sabah will appeal to many," said Joniston, who is also STB chairman.

STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit was also present at the event.

-nst online.

Rainforest World Music Fest 2024 returns with Grammy-winning Kitaro as headliner

 


KUALA LUMPUR: Grammy and Golden Globe award-winning Japanese music artiste, Kitaro, will headline the 27th Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) set to take place in Santubong, Sarawak from June 28 to 30.

The new age artiste, renowned for his groundbreaking electronic-instrumental music, will also be joined by longstanding local legend Datuk Zainal Abidin as another headline act.


Organised by the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), the festival featuring the theme 'Evolution' will mesmerise music fans with 68 international musicians from 15 countries.


On the local front, there will be a total of 63 Malaysian artistes who will also perform at the three-day festival.

Some of the international acts include Havana Social Club which combines musicians from Cuba, Venezuela, the US and Singapore; Alright Mela Meets Santoo from Pakistan and France; Bourbon Lassi (Australia); Imarhan (Algeria and France); Krakatau Ethno (Indonesia); Nini (Taiwan); Rhythm Rebels featuring Selonding Bali Aga (Indonesia); Rizal Hadi and Folk (Indonesia) and Tribal Tide (Singapore).

Fans can expect performances by local artistes such as sape musician Alena Murang; The Borneo Collective, Tuni Sundatang, Nisa Addina, Zarul@OurBodySound, Salammusik, The Color of Sounds Malaysia, Adrian G and Belle Sisoski.

Tickets to RWMF 2024 will be made available for purchase starting this April with a package for three days priced at RM635.

For more information and ticket bookings, visit www.rwmf.net.

-nst online.

Malaysia Airlines Announces Strategic Global Partnership with Manchester United; Introduces Three New Destinations and Airbus A330neo Seats

 


Kuala Lumpur, 22 March 2024 – In a significant move to enhance its global reach, Malaysia Airlines today signed a strategic, multi-year partnership with the Manchester United football club as its Official Commercial Airline. Through this partnership, Malaysia Airlines is poised to extend its renowned Malaysian Hospitality to Manchester United’s vast community of over 1.1 billion fans and followers worldwide by leveraging co-branded marketing initiatives to boost brand recognition to a diverse global audience, while delivering quality service and immersive experiences associated with both brands.

At the same event held in tandem with MATTA Fair 2024, Malaysia Airlines also announced the launch of flights to three new destinations to Malé, Maldives (MLE), Da Nang, Vietnam (DAD) and Chiang Mai, Thailand (CNX).

The airline will provide enhanced connectivity from its main hub in Kuala Lumpur with new direct flights to MLE, DAD and CNX with tickets available for sale beginning 22 March 2024. The airline will commence its daily flights to MLE beginning 1 August 2024; daily flights to DAD beginning 24 September 2024 and five times weekly flights to CNX beginning 15 August 2024.

This will mark the airline’s 13th destination in South Asia and 16th in ASEAN as it seeks to boost its presence within key markets, strengthening its position as the gateway to Asia and beyond in line with its commercial elevation journey. As a member of the oneworld® alliance, Malaysia Airlines currently offers superior connectivity to more than 900 destinations in 170 territories across the globe.

In the same event, the airline also unveiled its new A330neo Business Class and Economy Class seats as part of its fleet modernisation plan, ahead of the first aircraft’s scheduled delivery in Q3 2024. The new A330neo cabin will feature many ‘firsts’ for the airline and historically in its fleet. Among those is the introduction of the Collins Aerospace Elevation Business Class seats, featuring an all-suite cabin with individual privacy doors, as well as wireless charging pods available at all 28 of the Business Class seats. The airline is set to become the world's leading carrier to feature Elevation seats on the A330 airframe, solidifying its position as an industry leader in passenger experience and innovation.​

Meanwhile, the award-winning Recaro CL3810 Economy Class seats feature an ergonomic design and enhanced support, coupled with thoughtful amenities such as coat hooks, cup holder and ample stowage for added cabin comfort and practicality. The seat covers throughout the cabin will feature the airline’s signature songket motif, paying homage to Malaysia’s cultural heritage by seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary style. The A330neo will comprise 297 seats (28 in Business Class and 269 in Economy Class, of which 24 seats come with extra legroom). Shoppers attending MATTA Fair can experience these new seats for a limited time only, as they will be displayed at the MAG Arena (Level 3, MITEC, Kuala Lumpur) until 24 March 2024.

-Malaysia Airlines.

Friday 22 March 2024

Tourism Malaysia Explores Second-Tier Cities In Northeast China With State Tourism Bodies And MICA

 


DALIAN, 21 March 2024 Tourism Malaysia together with State Tourism Bodies and Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association (MICA) has embarked to explore the second-tier cities in China from 18th – 25th March 2024. The journey starts from Dalian, Shenyang, Changchun and ends with Harbin.


Leading the delegation is Mr. Lee Tai Hung, Tourism Malaysia’s Deputy Director General (Promotion II), joined by YB Dato’ Ng Suee Lim, Selangor State Exco of Local Government and Tourism; YB Nicole Tan, State Minister for Negeri Sembilan portfolio of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Dato’ Dr. Angie Ng, President of Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association (MICA); as well as 52 organisations consisting of state tourism bodies, airlines, hotels, resorts, travel agents, and tourism product owners.


Through this sales mission, Tourism Malaysia aims to strengthen its marketing efforts in China by penetrating the secondary cities through business sessions, seminars, networking, and emphasising promotions on the leisure market and niche segments, such as education tourism, Muslim-friendly tourism, and Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme.


“We hope that this sales mission provides a platform for the Malaysia tourism industry players to foster new relationships with its China counterpart and encourage more Chinese tourists to visit Malaysia, especially with the 30-day visa-free travel to Malaysia starting 1 st December 2023. We are always exploring further collaborations to bring more visitors to enjoy Malaysia's wonders and delights,” says Lee Tai Hung.


Tourism Malaysia’s sales mission to China is among the promotional activities planned for the Chinese market in 2024. For the record, the 1 st Series of Malaysia Sales Mission to China in April 2023 has accumulated a total sale of RM42.1 million and RM3.8 million in publicity value. Meanwhile, the 2nd Series in September 2023 has recorded RM13.0 million in total sales and a publicity value of RM3.5 million.


China remains one of the top market sources for Malaysia and contributed 1,474,114 arrivals to the country last year, a positive growth of 593.4% in comparison to the same period in 2022 with 212,603 arrivals. Malaysia is currently targeting to receive 27.3 million international tourist arrivals with RM102.7 billion in tourism receipts in 2024, with 5 million arrivals targeted to be from the Chinese market.


Through its overseas offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, Tourism Malaysia continues to intensify promotions alongside travel agents and airlines in gearing up for the next Visit Malaysia Year set in 2026. With the resumption and announcement of new routes from Malaysia-based airlines and China-based airlines such as Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Xiamen Air, Loong Air, and Spring Airlines, there are currently 327 flights per week between China and Malaysia.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Sabah Tea Garden is a must-visit haven for eco-tourists

 


TUCKED away amidst the ancient rainforest of Borneo, at an elevation of 2,272 feet, lies the Sabah Tea Garden – a unique destination where the lush greenery of a 130 million-year-old rainforest meets the serene stretches of organic tea plants.


This remarkable tea plantation not only captivates with its breathtaking natural beauty but also stands as a testament to sustainable tourism and conservation efforts in Malaysia.


Just a stone's throw from Kota Kinabalu, and an hour away from the majestic Mount Kinabalu Park, Sabah Tea Garden has become a favourite retreat for families, students, and nature lovers looking for an educational yet exhilarating getaway.


It's here that visitors can immerse themselves in a myriad of activities, each offering a blend of adventure, culture, and environmental consciousness.

A SYMPHONY OF ACTIVITIES AMIDST NATURE

The Sabah Tea Garden offers an array of experiences designed to engage and enlighten. One can embark on a guided trek up Kamunsu Hill, where the untamed beauty of the Bornean rainforest unfolds in every direction.


The garden also offers the chance to dive into the crisp, mountain-fed waters for a refreshing swim or partake in a night walk to witness the nocturnal wonders of the jungle.


A highlight for many is the tea factory tour, providing an insightful glimpse into the process of tea production, from leaf to cup, all underscored by the principles of organic farming and sustainability.


For those with a penchant for cycling, challenging trails await, winding through the rainforest and the undulating tea plantations, a testament to Sabah Tea Garden's popularity as a venue for mountain biking and adventure races.


CONSERVATION AT HEART


Central to the essence of Sabah Tea Garden is its unwavering commitment to conservation. The majority of the plantation is enveloped in pristine rainforest, serving as a sanctuary for the local flora and fauna.


This biodiverse haven plays a crucial role in natural pest management, allowing the tea to be grown without the use of pesticides, artificial colours, or flavours. Sabah Tea stands among the few organic tea plantations globally and is the only one of its kind in Borneo.


STAY, EXPLORE, AND EXPERIENCE


For those wishing to extend their stay and soak in the tranquillity of the surroundings, Sabah Tea Garden offers a variety of accommodation options.


From cosy cottages to adventurous camping sites, there's a perfect spot for every type of traveller. Moreover, creatively packaged tours are available, catering to both the adventurous spirit and those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature.

-nst online.

Wednesday 20 March 2024

Tourism Malaysia Captives The Russian Market At MITT 2024

 


MOSCOW, 19 March 2024 Tourism Malaysia announces its 14th consecutive participation at the three-day event of the International Travel & Hospitality Show (MITT) 2024, taking place at the Crocus Expo Exhibition Centre from 19 to 21 March. Bringing over 768 companies from 30 countries, MITT 2024 provides a pivotal platform for industry leaders and stakeholders to forge invaluable connections and collaborations.


Led by Mr Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof, Senior Director of International Promotion (Americas, Europe & Oceania) Tourism Malaysia, the Malaysian delegation comprises tour operators, destination management companies (DMCs), and an esteemed hotel representative, including Lexis Hotel Group, Fun and Sun Holidays, Embassy Alliance Travel Group, PAKS Group, China Travel, ITM Group and Russian Express. Visitors can explore Malaysia’s rich tapestry of offerings tailored for the Russian market at Tourism Malaysia’s booth at Pavilion 1, Hall 3, Stand B308.


Mr Iskandar Mirza expressed: "The MITT 2024 serves as a cornerstone for promoting Malaysia as a premier tourist destination in Russia. It fosters valuable industry exchange, inspiration, and long-term partnerships. We are thrilled to unveil Malaysia’s enthralling experiences and attractions, solidifying its standing as an unparalleled destination in gearing up for Visit Malaysia 2026.”


This endeavour follows Tourism Malaysia's successful participation at the recent Moscow Dive Show 2024, where the agency showcased Malaysia's breathtaking dive sites. In a bid to entice and engage Russian tourists effectively, Tourism Malaysia has implemented a series of strategic promotional initiatives. These include participation in key industry fairs, collaborative efforts with media and travel operators, and comprehensive online marketing campaigns.


Malaysia's tourism sector is poised for significant growth, with a target of welcoming 27.3 million tourists by 2024, generating an estimated revenue of MYR102.7 billion. Notably, Russian tourist arrivals are expected to surge by 30% in 2024 compared to the previous year. This promising uptick builds upon the substantial rise logged from 33,033 visitors in 2022 to 109,689 in 2023.


Looking ahead to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the country envisions welcoming 35.6 million foreign tourists, projecting receipts of MYR147.1 billion.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tuesday 19 March 2024

Sabah takes steps to become a medical wellness tourism hub

 


European Wellness is collaborating with the Sabah state government to position Sabah as a premier destination for medical wellness tourism on the global stage.

The partnership aims to harness Sabah’s natural beauty, rich heritage, and European Wellness’s expertise to create a holistic healthcare experience, with an emphasis on medical wellness and education tourism.

Mike Chan, a stem cell scientist and chairman of European Wellness, has pledged US$80 million to establish a biopharmaceutical manufacturing and research facility at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, an initiative that has been endorsed and supported by chief minister, Hajiji Noor.

Chan, along with his Sabahan wife Michelle Wong, aim to expand operations in Sabah, catering to the ASEAN and Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) markets.

In the wake of global health challenges impaired by the Covid-19 pandemic, this collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Sabah’s journey towards tourism, economic recovery and healthcare excellence.

-TTG Asia.

Kunjungi Astaka Tourism Malaysia Di Pameran MATTA FAIR KL Mac 2024 @ MITEC KL ( 22 ~ 24 Mac 2024 )

 


Sukacita dimaklumkan bahawa Tourism Malaysia melalui Bahagian Domestik & Acara akan menyertai MATTA Fair KL Mac 2024  seperti berikut :-

Tarikh : 22 hingga 24 Mac 2024

Masa : 10.00 pagi hingga 9.00 malam

Tempat : Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur

Pelbagai pakej pelancongan domestik yang menarik ditawarkan oleh agensi-agensi pelancongan, hotel-hotel & pengusaha produk pelancongan di Astaka Tourism Malaysia.

AGENSI PELANCONGAN

Adventure Alternative Borneo

Al Muneer Travel & Tours

Anytime Holidays

Avenue Holidays

Ceritera Travel

Connection Project Tours

Golden Faa Travel & Tours

Golden Point Leisure & MICE Holiday

Khaimal Travel & Tours

Labuan Rusukan Besar Tour and Travel

N Helzy Rent A Car & Travel

Salam Golden Travel

Semporna Paradise Travel & Tour

Tanjak Adventure & Tour

Wani Don Holidays

PENGINAPAN

Beach N Breeze Glamping Retreat

D’sora Boutique Business Hotel

De’Remin Sapit

Fraser Valley Kuala Kubu Bharu

Lalang’s Resort & Spa

Lanting Beach Resort

Lavanya Resort

Ombak Dive Resort

Rangkaian Hotel Seri Malaysia

Stellar Eko Venture

Swan Garden Resort

Tekoma Resort Taman Negara / Cameron Highlands

Tingkat Management

PENGUSAHA PRODUK

Adren X Park

Big Bounce Park

Borsarmulu Park Management

Dinosaur Encounter World

Evolt Karting

Game On Fun Park

Kuantan 188

Labis Sunrise Farm Stay

Langkawi Nature Park

Sky Ladder Pineapple Farm

Skytrex Adventure Park

Tasik Cermin Ipoh

The Bentong Farm

Waterfly Borneo (Adventure Watersports)

Jom kunjungi Astaka Tourism Malaysia @ Aras 1, Dewan Domestik, MITEC. Masuk adalah percuma!

Bas (tambang percuma) disediakan dari KL SENTRAL atau Sunway Putra Mall ke MITEC (pergi-balik)  dari 8.00pagi-10.00malam.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Monday 18 March 2024

Iftar Madani@Batu Sapi 2024 ( 30 Mac 2024 )

 


IFTAR MADANI@BATU SAPI 2024

Tembok Jalan Coastal, Sandakan, Sabah

30 Mac 2024

 

IFTAR@BATU SAPI diadakan sebagai inisiatif mengimarahkan

bulan Ramadan bagi tahun 2024. Program kerohanian ini turut

menyediakan makan minum kepada khalayak termasuk anak

yatim dan gelandangan untuk berbuka puasa.

Antara pengisian:

i. Penyediaan bubur lambuk

ii. Tadarus Al-Quran

iii. Solat Tarawih

iv. Persembahan Nasyid

v. Pameran

vi. Jualan Food Truck; dan pelbagai lagi aktiviti

-JKKN.

Wyndham Ion Majestic a boon to Malaysia's tourism industry

 


KUALA LUMPUR: The development of the Wyndham Ion Majestic Hotel by NCT Alliance Bhd in Genting Highlands is anticipated to stimulate growth in Malaysia's tourism industry and strengthen the country's economy.

NCT non-executive director Sae-Yap Atthakovit emphasised the significance of offering extra value to real estate purchasers as a strategy to successfully boost the real estate market.

With Genting Highlands' enduring attractiveness, the area stands to gain a great deal from this approach, he said.

"For investors or buyers seeking property ownership, this presents an opportunity for them to enjoy the potential upside, given the enduring appeal of the tourism market in Genting Highlands.

"It aligns with the consistent demand for property in the area, likely resulting in appreciating prices over time," he said.

Atthakovit expressed confidence that the initiative will create job openings and draw investments, potentially including those from foreign sources and buyers.

"With Hard Rock Cafe anchoring the Wyndham Ion Majestic Hotel, the commercial and retail sectors will experience enhanced vibrancy, contributing to the overall entertainment and investment ecosystem for buyers," he added.

Today, NCT Alliance announced that it will collaborate with Hard Rock International to boost tourism and enhance hospitality with the introduction of Asia Pacific's highest altitude Hard Rock Cafe.

The collaboration will see the restaurant situated on the top floor of NCT Alliance's Grand Ion Majestic development within the Wyndham Ion Majestic Hotel in Genting Highlands.

With a total gross development value (GDV) of RM1.6 billion, the Wyndham Ion Majestic Hotel's first phase is slated for a soft opening in the second quarter (2Q) of this year.

The developer announced that the new Hard Rock Cafe will boast about 5,000 square feet of space.

-nst online.

Malaysia Welcomes China Eastern's Inaugural Flight From Kunming To Kuala Lumpur

 


SEPANG, 16 March 2024 – Passengers on board flight MU9629 arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 1) from Kunming, China, were welcomed by Director General of Tourism Malaysia, as well as representatives from China Eastern Airlines and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) today.

This new route by China Eastern Airlines connecting Kunming – Kuala Lumpur operates daily on Airbus A320neo with a seating capacity of 148 passengers, adding to the existing 18 weekly flights by other carriers from the Yunnan Province, southwest of China.

“With this new additional route, it is a great opportunity to bring in more tourists from China’s second-tier cities, especially now with our visa-free policy for Chinese travellers to Malaysia. We continue to amplify our promotional efforts in showcasing Malaysia’s rich heritage and warm hospitality to one of our top markets through Tourism Malaysia’s overseas offices in China,” said Mr. Manoharan.

The visa-free policy for Chinese travellers to Malaysia effective 1st December 2023 until 31 December 2024 has seen a significant increase in bookings to Malaysia. In 2023, Malaysia welcomed 1.47 million arrivals from China, an exponential growth of 593.4% in comparison to the same period in 2022 with 212,603 arrivals.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Sunday 17 March 2024

Sabah scores RM5 million in tourist receipts just from two Chinese groups

 

With just two groups from China, Sabah registered RM5 million in tourism receipts recently. Pictures courtesy of Sri Pelancongan Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah registered a revenue of RM5 million in tourism receipts by just having two groups of tourists from China.


One the groups was categorised under the for meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition (MICE) group.


Sri Pelancongan Sabah chairman Ken Pan Ying On said their two-week stay in Sabah with a packed holiday programme, plus a company annual gala, generated income for tourism stakeholders in Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Tuaran and Semporna.


"This is a head start for Sabah's tourism industry for 2024. MICE groups have high spending power, and this in turn boosts the local economy.

"Air connectivity has improved with more direct flights from major Chinese cities to Kota Kinabalu, allowing tourists to experience various types of travel.

"These include leisure tourism, sightseeing tours, cultural tourism, diving, mountain climbing, forest adventures and underwater world explorations. All these activities mean spending money in Sabah," he said in a statement.

From late February to early March, the first group of 182 tourists from Wuhan who are involved in the beauty industry enjoyed Sabah's blue skies and seas, unparalleled underwater world and luxurious seaside resorts, coupled with fresh seafood.

The second group of 450 tourists from the IT industry in Beijing arrived here in four batches.

"They stayed for six consecutive nights at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, where they successfully held their company's annual gala.

"The guests also experienced Sabah's thrilling water sports, beautiful sunset yacht tours, ecotourism in mangrove forests, and the natural beauty of Mount Kinabalu, among other activities."

Meanwhile, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said the state was gaining momentum as a preferred MICE destination.

"With the gradual recovery of the Chinese tourism market, the ministry through the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) will actively promote the development of the state's tourism industry, while also increasing support for high-end tourism businesses.

"Now that we have established the Sabah Convention Bureau, we expect more MICE groups from China, among other countries, to visit Sabah this year."

-nst online.