Tourism Malaysia declare astounding results during 2004

This fascinating realm which provides a unique essence of the true Asia, combines a mixture from the Malay, Chinese and Indonesian heritage packaged in an image of it's own has been able to boost their tourism industry within the GCC, as no other far eastern country. Where visitors form the UAE registered an overwhelming 250% increase, whilst visitors from Saudi Arabia emerged with a 235.2% increase compared to 2003. Kuwaiti tourists also followed the impressive trend stretching a 94.6% increase, highlighting the edge that Malaysia has been able to build for itself compared to other countries in the same region.

'The outcome for 2004 that Malaysia has generated has confirmed our paving of the right track towards leading the far eastern tourist strategies' commented The honorable Datuk Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the Deputy minister of the Ministry of Tourism in Malaysia. 'We have been able to overcome our growth expectations, at a rate that deserves international respect and recognition' he added.

Malaysia's rapidly emerging destination, has not been exclusive as a tourist approach only, yet other national industries have played a key role in to this extensive growth, such as the medical and the educational sector, which generated foreign exchange earnings of USD 27.63 million and more than 38,695 students respectively. The widely spoken English language and the reasonable cost of living, embraced in a modern and civilized infrastructure as well as the state of the art facilities provided by the government, have also contributed massively to the tremendous performance of Malaysia.

The recent Middle East mission that had started from the 22nd of April till the 11th of May was conducted by Tourism Malaysia in co-operation with the Malaysian Airlines and so far has deployed an extensive focus on the GCC, through coverage of ATM as well as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. With a delegation headed by Deputy Minister Datuk Ahmad Zahid and consisting of 20 Malaysian organizations from various industries such as Malaysian Airlines, Hospitality representatives, tour operators, State of Penanag, Johor, Pahang and Saravak. The delegation is expected to arouse a turn up of more than 100 invitees comprising of travel agents and corporate companies in the countries targeted.