Tuesday May 4, 2010 MYT 8:31:00 PM
DUBAI: Malaysia has moved up two notches in the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (Untwo) barometer, placing the country among the top 10 in term of tourist arrivals for the year 2009.Malaysia secured ninth position, just below Turkey and Germany, in term of arrivals. This is considered a remarkable achievement amidst the gloomy scenario for the global tourism industry.
In 2008, Malaysia was in the 11th position but gradually recorded an increase in arrivals due to continuous promotional campaigns by the Tourism Ministry.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said being among the top 10 was a great accomplishment for all Malaysians.
"We are elated by this positive development. Malaysia is a kaleidoscope of cultures and I am sure it will continue to charm tourists," she told Malaysian journalists after opening the Arabian Travel Mart (ATM) here on Tuesday.
Among the event's participants are 120 delegations from 83 organisations, including hoteliers, tour operators and Tourism Board representatives.
This year also marked Malaysia's 17th year of participation at the event, the largest trade and consumer travel show in the Gulf region.
Dr Ng said she received the Untwo report upon her arrival here.
Based on the Untwo website, France continued to be the world's top major tourism destination in terms of arrivals and ranked third in receipts.
The United States ranked first in receipts and second in arrivals while Spain maintained its position as the second biggest earner worldwide and the first in Europe, ranking third in arrivals.
Dr Ng urged Malaysians, especially those involved in the tourism industry, to continue striving to woo more visitors to Malaysia.
"Those in the hospitality industry should develop more innovative products to continue placing Malaysia among the top holiday destinations in the World," she said.
Dr Ng said the tourism industry was the second-largest income earner for the country last year, generating a revenue of RM52bil.
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