Number of Chinese tourists lower than expected


PETALING JAYA: The number of Chinese tourists coming to Malaysia during the Lunar New Year is lower than expected due to fewer direct flights as well as high airfares, say industry players.

However, they are optimistic that there will be an influx of tourists from China from next month, and they urge the government to support the tourism industry by increasing the number of flights.

Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) president Uzaidi Udanis said a lack of flights had made it challenging for travel agents to plan tours.

“Previously, we used to have between 30 and 100 people in a tour group.

“Today, we only have an average of 20 people every tour because of limited flight seats and expensive airfares, which have increased tour costs,” he said.

He cited the example of Singapore, which offers daily return flights to China; Malaysia only provides two to three flights each week, he claimed.

And the unpredictable airfares had led to the constant changes in tour prices, he said.

He noted that most Chinese tourists coming to Malaysia were keen on visiting Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands.

Uzaidi also spoke about standardising the procedures for these visitors.

“I received a complaint about Chinese tourists having to download the MySejahtera application before they are allowed to enter the country. “

Apparently, an immigration officer had given such an instruction to a group of Chinese travellers, he said.

This, he said, had caused problems to the visitors as they could not download the application from their phone.

Malaysia Inbound Chinese Association president Datuk Dr Angie Ng said she was supportive of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry’s target of welcoming five million tourists from China this year.

Article type: free
User access status:
Subscribe now to our Premium Plan for an ad-free and unlimited reading experience!
   

Next In Nation

Haj subsidy: Targeted aid to ensure funds go to the right people, says Minister
Filthy factories: 10 food processing premises in Sandakan ordered to close
KTMB Klang Valley disruption due to power outage
Reject racist politics and religious bigotry, says Johor Ruler
Floods: Number of evacuees continues to fall in Johor
Do you know...about Rifle Range Flats?
Proposal for paid MRSM, Haj cost among focus of Parliament on Thursday (March 23)
Cebu Pacific Air flight makes emergency landing at KKIA
Act fast in suicide cases
Heavy traffic expected over long weekend

Others Also Read