Malaysia has recorded RM41.69 billion in tourism revenue for the period of January to June this year, an increase of 6.8 percent from RM39 billion recorded in the corresponding period last year.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Mohamaddin Ketapi said the number of tourist arrivals to Malaysia had also increased by 4.9 percent to 13.35 million in the first six months this year from 12.73 million previously.

The ten countries that contributed to the number of tourist arrivals to Malaysia are Singapore, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Brunei, India, South Korea, Philippine, Vietnam and Japan, he told a press conference on the tourism performance for January-June 2019, today.

Mohamaddin said the five top countries that contributed to Malaysia’s tourism revenue were Singapore, China, Indonesia, Thailand and Brunei.

“Asean member countries still dominate international tourist distribution by 70 percent, while the medium- and long-distance markets accounted for 20.8 percent and 9.2 percent respectively,” he said.

When asked whether the target of 28.1 million tourist arrivals for this year could be achieved, the minister said based on the positive trend and the peak season from July to September, where most people in Europe and the Middle East would go on summer holidays, it is still possible.

“It is very positive (the trend). At the moment, we have over 13 million and it is not the peak period yet for the tourists form some countries to come. We have several more months, we can achieve that,” he added.

Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia director-general Musa Yusof when asked about China market, said the trend was also positive following the efforts carried out to promote the Year 2020 as the Malaysia-China tourism and cultural year.

“As part of the promotion, the minister will also visit Guangzhou in conjunction with the International Travel Fair at the end of this month,” he added.

- Bernama