Oct 26, 2015
TOURISM MALAYSIA WELCOMES AIR CHINA TO MALAYSIA
PUTRAJAYA, 26 OCTOBER 2015:
Tourism Malaysia is happy to welcome the inaugural flight by Air China,
the flag carrier and one of the major airlines of the People’s Republic
of China, to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) last night. The
new, four times a week service from Beijing Capital International
Airport operates using an Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
To
celebrate the occasion, the Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, Mr. Wee Choo
Keong, gave a special welcome dinner for Air China officials and crew as
well as the passengers of the inaugural flight tonight at Saloma Bistro
and Theatre Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. Also feted were a group of
Chinese media and tourism trade participants of the Tourism Malaysia
Mega Fam, who are here to have a first-hand experience of Malaysia’s
tourism attractions and offerings.
Mr.
Wee said, “This is indeed a significant moment in the tourism history
of Malaysia and China, as we move forward to strengthen ties between our
two countries.
“China
is an important market for Malaysia, bringing in 1.6 million tourists
to Malaysia last year. It is ranked third in our top ten tourist source
markets after Singapore and Indonesia, and naturally, we wish to
strengthen our efforts to engage with this market.
“Air
China’s return to Malaysian shores is especially meaningful this year.
It demonstrates Air China’s confidence in Malaysia’s tourism industry
despite a difficult year. Malaysia is proud to be working together with a
leader in the aviation industry.
“Connectivity
is, after all, the heart of tourism, and I am sure that the
reestablishment of this direct route will help improve tourist arrivals
and receipts between our two nations.
“I
believe that Chinese tourists will appreciate Malaysia for our natural
resources – our pristine rainforests, beautiful islands and beaches,
marine life and many more. With Mandarin being widely spoken here, along
with the warm, sunny weather year-round, Chinese tourists will feel
truly at home in our multi-racial and multi-cultural country.”
With
this four weekly Air China flight, connections to China has increased
to 195 flights a week, with a maximum capacity of 40,896 passengers.
END
For
more media releases, media info and media features on Malaysia’s
tourism industry, kindly visit the Media Centre of Tourism Malaysia’s
website at http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/
MALAYSIA TOURISM PROMOTION BOARD OR TOURISM MALAYSIA
is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Malaysia.
Tourism Malaysia focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia at
all levels. Since its inception, Tourism Malaysia has grown by leaps and
bounds and it has emerged as a major player in the international
tourism scene. In 2014, Malaysia registered 27.4 million tourist
arrivals and RM72 billion in receipts, making tourism its second largest
foreign exchange earner.
Malaysia celebrated its fourth VISIT MALAYSIA YEAR (VMY) in 2014 with the theme “Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia”. The promotion of the country continues with the MALAYSIA YEAR OF FESTIVALS
(MyFEST) campaign in 2015 with the theme “Endless Celebrations”
emphasising the various festivals celebrated by its multicultural
society. Both campaigns are key drivers towards achieving the country’s
target of 36 million tourist arrivals and RM168 billion in receipts by
2020, as outlined in the Tourism NKEA (National Key Economic Area).
Through
the Tourism NKEA, collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Tourism
and Culture, other Government agencies and the private sector have been
enhanced to help secure Malaysia’s position as a leading tourist
destination. The targets set under the Tourism NKEA will be achieved
through the implementation of twelve Entry Point Projects (EPPs)
clustered under five themes: Affordable Luxury; Nature Adventure; Family
Fun; Events, Entertainment, Spa and Sports; and Business Tourism.
Press contact:
Media Relations Unit:
Chresentia F.B. Sadatal (Ms), Assistant Director, Corporate Communication Division
Tel: +603-8891 8776
Email: chresentia@tourism.gov.my
Editorial Unit:
Anis Rozalina Ramli (Ms), Senior Editor, Corporate Communication Division
Tel: +603-8891 8759
Email: anisramli@tourism.gov.my
