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| Malaysian ladies in costume (R Eime) |
TOURISM ARRIVALS TO MALAYSIA CONTINUE TO GROW
The success of the Malaysian Tourism industry's global tourism initiatives over the past twelve months is borne out by the country's latest tourism and travel statistics. Its aggressive promotional efforts, and commitment from industry players, have seen tourist arrivals to Malaysia from January 2014 to October 2014 continue by 9.6% despite what was a challenging year.
Figures recently released by Malaysia's Immigration Department show that across the period, the country received 22.9 million (22,859,448) tourists compared to 20.9 million (20,863,045) tourists for the same period in 2013. Across this time, Australia also remained one of the strongest markets, with 479,829 Australian visiting Malaysia from January – October 2014.
Overall, the number of Malaysia's foreign tourist arrivals in October rose by 6.7% to 2,247,666 tourists from 2,106,569 for the same month in 2013. ASEAN countries continued to be the dominant market, accounting for 74.9% of this total. Medium-haul markets including Australia contributed 18.3% or 411,335 tourists, with long haul markets contributing a further 6.7% of total arrivals.
This also follows on from a strong month in September 2014, which recorded a hike in tourist arrivals of 6.7% (2,233,545 tourists) compared to the same month in 2013. From January to September 2014, Malaysia welcomed a total of 20.6 million (20,611,782) tourists, registering a hike of 9.9% compared to 18.8 million (18,756,476) tourists for the same period in 2013.
The figures are reassuring, but unsurprising according Tourism Malaysia's Sydney Director, Roslan Abdullah. "Malaysia continues to be of the safest, most politically stable and value-for-money destinations in South East Asia," he says. "Factor in friendly people, amazing cuisine and almost unparalleled diversity in terms of our tourism offering, and we can virtually accommodate every type of traveller, from families through to honeymooners, from sun-seekers through to those after more adventurous pursuits. Plus we are not much further away than Bali."
Malaysians love a celebration and with 2015 recently announced as Malaysia's official Year of Festivals, it is definitely shaping up as perfect time to visit.
From January's Citrawarma Festival through to the not-to-be missed Official End of Year Sales in November and December, the yearlong program delivers a diverse mix of 50 festivals and events taking place to tempt every taste and interest.
Highlights include Malaysia Chinese New Year incorporating the traditional Chingay Street Parade; the colourful World Kite Festival; the octane-fueled Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix featuring some spectacular motor racing action on one of the world's most picturesque F1 tracks; the Malaysia International Shoe Festival, for those hankering after a retail fix; and the dramatic Magic of the Night Festival, with its nighttime Lighted Boat Parade showcasing brightly and beautifully decorated boats.
With adventure, culture, cuisine, beaches, jungle, nature and accommodation to suit every budget, with friendly locals and year round sunshine to boot. And with Festivals happening right across the country throughout the year, you can be sure that whatever time you visit, there will be something to appeal.
For information about tours of Malaysia, please contact:
Tourism Malaysia
Telephone: +612 9286 3055,
Fax: +612 9283 8311,
Email: malaysia@malaysiatourism.com.au
or visit http://www.tourismmalaysia.com.au
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