Motac focuses on attracting foreigners to revitalise tourism industry, says Tourism Minister

SIBU (Aug 24): The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) continues to focus efforts in attracting more foreign tourists to Malaysia, thereby revitalising the tourism sector, said its minister Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.

He revealed that for the first half of this year, Motac had concentrated on efforts to increase the flux of foreign tourists into the country.

“To achieve this goal, Tourism Malaysia, through subsidy initiatives, has actively encouraged the opening of new air routes, as well as the increase of flight frequencies by airlines,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

He added that such efforts have borne fruit as seven direct flight routes from China to Malaysia were successfully established during the Chinese New Year season, resulting in a significant surge that recorded nearly one million Chinese tourists entering the country.

As a member of the Unity government, Tiong is aware of his responsibilities in leading Motac, particularly in meeting the needs and expectations of Malaysians, to revive the country’s tourism economy.

“It is my duty to report the current status or report card of Motac for the first half of 2024.

“For example, current data shows that the number of tourists from India and Central Asia has surpassed pre-pandemic statistics,” he said, adding that the report transparently informs the public of the ministry’s performance.

Simultaneously, Motac continues to strengthen cooperative relationships with strategic partners abroad in efforts to promote Malaysia, with Tiong leading delegates to several countries, including China, Central Asia, Russia, and Japan.

Moreover, he expressed commitment to continue supporting local tourism industry players to launch more beneficial projects meant to enhance the marketing of the nation’s tourism brand onto the global stage.

“Overall, Malaysia’s tourism market in the first half of 2024 has not only maintained, but also increased in the momentum of recovery as compared to last year,” he said.