Tourism in Malaysia

Today, the tourism industry has experienced a rapid growth and gained an importance in the Malaysian economy. It is the second largest foreign exchange earner, after manufacturing. This is in line with the government's objective to accelerate the domestic private sector and stimulate the services sector to spearhead economic growth.

In the context of tourism receipts, the contribution from this sector has been very encouraging. For instance, the Malaysian economy registered RM17.40 billion in receipts from 10.22 million visitors in 2000 (just a year after implementing the three-pronged action). This constituted a 28.9 per cent increase between 1999 and 2000. With the exception of 2003 (SARS & Gulf War), this upward trend continued until today.

The Malaysian tourism authority has undertaken efforts to position Malaysia as a leading international shopping destination. The Mega Sales Carnivals were held on a nationwide basis were successful in attracting more shoppers. Each Mega Sale has managed to attract additional half a million foreign visitors and day-trippers from the neighbouring countries, on top of the normal tourist arrivals.

Visit Malaysia Year 2007

This year, Malaysia's focus will be on the Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007, was is aimed at aggressively promoting Malaysia, increasing tourist arrivals, as well as encouraging domestic tourism among Malaysians.

Coincidentally, 2007 is also the year of Malaysia's 50th independence. As such, the Visit Malaysia Year campaign is a timely event to celebrate Malaysia's golden jubilee. It is an occasion to rejoice and to share with the world the unique qualities and virtues that have shaped Malaysia to be the country that it is today.

The VMY 2007 campaign is expected to raise the awareness of foreign tourists to enable them to plan their holidays in Malaysia. For VMY 2007, the country has set a target to attract 20.1 million tourists.

Overall, there are over 240 events, of which, 50 being major events and 5 as international mega events. All these events are presented in "One Golden Celebration" -- a celebration that brings Malaysia to the world, and the world to Malaysia.

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