WTM 2018: Malaysia 'revaluates' 2020 visitor target

Tourism Malaysia had initially aimed to hit 33 million overseas guests in two year’s time but speaking to TTG@WTM chairman Datuk Ahmad Shah Hussein Tambakau revealed it had decided to revise the figure to 30.

He said “economic uncertainties” for western travellers surrounding long-haul travel spending had seen caused the change outlook.

“We have looked at the last two years and we have had growth but not quite as much as we had anticipated so we made the decision to have a more realistic figure,” he added.

Although Malaysia, he said, was “on track” to hit its 2019 target of 28 million leading up to the 30 million mark the following year.

A main strategy for achieving growth is Malaysia’s long-haul connectivity from Europe with the country currently boasting direct flights from London, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.

Malaysia’s partnership with German carrier Condor led to the start of a three-times-weekly service to Kuala Lumpur.

During WTM London, the Malaysian government signed understandings to work more closely with Royal Brunei Airlines and Singapore Airlines.

Tourism Malaysia has also embarked on a new partnership deal with Malaysia Airlines.

The two organisations will cooperate on advertising and promotional campaigns, as well as trade fam programmes and media trips from 20 key inbound markets.