Malaysia is all set to increase the number of tourists from the Middle East to 300,000 in 2007.
Malaysia attracted more than 180,000 tourists from the Middle East last year and has organised an aggressive campaign dubbed 'Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007' to promote it as a prime tourist destination and consequently increase the number of tourists, according to Malaysian Tourism Minister YBM Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, who is in Bahrain to lead a key Malaysian tourism industry players at the Bahrain International Travel Expo (BITE).
Malaysia's participation at BITE follows its successful participation in the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market held in Dubai.
This year the country expects a surge in the number of visitors, as it celebrates its 50th Independence Day with over 240 year-round festivities set to take place, which will highlight the country's rich culture and heritage.
Some of the cultural festivals include Colours of Malaysia and the Eid-Al Fitr Celebration in addition to world-famous sporting events such as Formula One Grand Prix, Le Tour De Langkawi, Monsoon Cup and other amazing showcases such as the Malaysia International Fireworks Exhibition.
'Malaysia is all geared up to welcome an expected 20.1 million visitors this year with a tourism initiative that has brought together public and private stakeholders to offer guests a remarkable experience in Malaysia,' Tengku Mansor added.
'Our tourism industry has witnessed a huge boom and recorded an amazing 17.54 million visitors last year, which was a surge of 6.8 per cent compared to 2005. Middle East tourists accounted for more than 180,000, and with our distinct competitive advantages, we expect to increase that to 300,000 this year.'
Accompanying the minister are senior tourism officials who further bolster the delegation comprised of representatives from hotels, travel and tour operators, state governments, and Malaysia Airlines who are on a regional visit to promote Malaysian attractions across Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Damascus.
As a part of the visit to Bahrain, the minister and key delegates will meet with government leaders and private players to further bolster the promotional efforts in the country.TradeArabia News Service