KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has welcomed 1,185,050 visitors from China from January to May, a 194% increase over the same period last year, says Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (pic).
He attributed the increase to the implementation of visa-free travel arrangements between both countries.
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"I encourage all airlines to (take advantage of) this trend by expanding connectivity... to provide more convenience and options for travellers worldwide, creating a win-win situation,” he said in a Facebook post on Sunday (Aug 4).
Tiong also announced the launch of AirAsia’s inaugural direct flights from Ningbo in China to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, which will operate three times a week using the Airbus A320 aircraft, with 180 seats per flight.
He said the direct routes will help attract travellers, particularly from Zhejiang Province and other regions of China.
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In November, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a 30-day visa exemption for tourists from China and India with effect from Dec 1 last year.
The initiative was reciprocated by China agreeing to extend the visa exemption for Malaysian tourists from 15 to 30 days, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. – Bernama
