KUALA LUMPUR, 15 October 2019: Malaysia’s tourism is demonstrating positive trends in research and travel data released by leading tourism organisations.
It stands top of the pile in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2018 released by Crescent Rating.
Euromonitor International identified Kuala Lumpur as one of the Top 100 Cities Destinations.
United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) data on tourist arrivals places Malaysia at 15th out of all its member countries. It ranked 21st for earnings from tourism.
Most of Malaysia’s travel arrivals are sourced in Asia with China leading.
Quoting the Economic Outlook 2020 report, national news agency Bernama said tourist arrivals and receipts should expand on the back of the Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign.
The country expects to welcome 28.1 million tourists with earnings reaching MYR92.2 billion this year.
There are challenges led by the reliance on neighbouring Singapore and Thailand to boost arrivals as well as an over-dependence on the China market.
Experts claim there is short-fall in creative travel content and a need for more airline routes to key source markets particularly to secondary destinations such as Langkawi Island.
Cruise tourism also has the potential, particularly in Langkawi, Melaka and Penang that can be home ports for international cruises.
But despite challenges, Malaysia is a leading destination for Muslim tourism cited as having the World’s most Muslim friendly hospitality services and compliance with a standard that recognises Syariah-compliant accommodation.
(Source: Bernama)
