The target under the Tenth Malaysia Plan (2011 — 2015) is to improve Malaysia’s position to be within th e top 10, in terms of global tourism receipts in 2015. Malaysia also aims to increase the tourism sector’s contribution by 2.1 times, contributing RM115bn ($36bn) in receipts and providing 2.7 million jobs in the tourism industry in 2015.

The Honourable Dato` Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Minister of Tourism, said, “Tourism industry players in Malaysia are set to work harder to achieve the 2015 target. They will strive to attract a larger share of high spending travellers, and capture a higher share of high growth segments, particularly from Russia, India, China and the Middle East, besides increasing the number of tourist arrivals.”

“According to the actual information that beyond the well-known destinations of Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi, Arab travellers appear to be keen on exploring Malaysia’s resort islands such as Redang, Perhentian and Tioman. Arab tourists would also like to experience Malaysian culture as well as adventure with nature, like those on offer in states like Sabah and Sarawak.

On the type of activity they would indulge in on vacation in tropical Malaysia, 57.01% of them picked ecotourism above shopping, spa and wellness programmes, diving and golfing,” Dato` Dr. Ng Yen Yen added during press conferecne at the Arabian Travel Mart (ATM) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 2nd to 5th May 2011.

Dato Ng confirmed, “You can see that ecotourism is high on the list, and this goes back to enjoying nature and greenery and people in this part of the world live in an environment pretty much lacking in greenery, which can be found in abundance in Malaysia.So, it makes sense if they want to indulge in activities associated with nature when they go on vacation.”

“The tourism industry in Malaysia currently ranks as the second biggest foreign exchange earner of the country. As far as the results go, promoting its tourism industry has been one of the country’s success stories. Its tourism industry certainly deserves due recognition for its contributions to the nation in terms of income generation, infrastructure development and job creation,” she added

Dato explained that Malaysia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the ASEAN region. Despite the global economic slowdown and concerns regarding financial problems, it received around 320,373 Million international tourists in 2010 comparing with 284,890 in 2009, an increase of around 12.5% over the previous year.

Dr. Ng said, “According to our new research report “Malaysian Tourism Industry Forecast to 2012″, international tourist arrivals in Malaysia will grow at a CAGR of around 8% during the forecast period (2011-2013) and tourism receipts from overseas tourists are expected to rise at a CAGR of around 8% during the same period, thereby, surpassing RM70bn (over $22.4bn) by 2013. Apart from the ASEAN countries, it is anticipated that tourist arrivals from China, India, and the Middle East will strongly grow during the forecast period (2011-2013). Malaysian tourism industry will continue to grow rapidly in coming years, on the back of increasing promotional activities by the government and growing reputation of the country as a shopping hub.”

She added, “Provides an insight in the Malaysian tourism industry and studies its past, present, and future scenario. It offers a detailed study of the forces driving the industry and discusses key market trends, which are making Malaysia a potential tourism destination. Also contains extensive information (analysis and statistical data) of various industrial parameters that will help clients to analyze opportunities critical for their success in the Malaysian tourism industry.”

“With focus on various segments, including inbound tourism, outbound tourism, expenditure by inbound tourists, medical tourism, MICE, and hotel industry, the report provides a thorough analysis of the Malaysian tourism industry. Our report also includes industry forecast and estimates along with detailed information about the key players operating in the Malaysian tourism industry. Due consideration has been given to the competitive landscape to enable clients understand the market structure and growth prospects in coming years,” Dato Ng finished her comments.

Malaysia is truly and land of contrasts with a wealth of exciting places to visit. Towering skyscrapers, historic mosques, verdant jungle and deserted paradise beaches await holidaymakers here. And with an intoxicating mix of contrasting ethnic groups, delicious food and a fascinating history, there truly is something for everyone in Malaysia. Below is a brief highlights guide suitable for a fortnight in the country, but each snippet can be experienced on its own or part of any itinerary as seems most attractive.

The target audience for the West Asian market included families, young adults, members of royal families and high-end market, special interest groups, honeymooners, corporate groups, business travellers and students.

“One of our objectives in Dubai is to promote Malaysia as a top-of-mind tourist destination as well as strengthen our marketing and promotional activities involving players such as travel agents, airlines and corporate sectors,” she said.

She reckoned that Arab visitors would continue to be attracted by shopping and scenes of urban life in Malaysia. Family-oriented activities like those available at theme parks such as Genting Highlands, Sunway Lagoon and A’Famosa Resort also generate interest among tourists from this region.

“This is because the Arabs are more likely to go on vacation with their families rather than taking a group tour (involving strangers),” she said.

Dato Ng said, “Malaysia’s numerous islands and beaches, including Penang and the resort island of Langkawi, would continue to be high on the list of things to do among Arab travellers and Malaysia will also be reinforcing its niche products such as ecotourism, homestay programme, wedding and honeymoon packages, health tourism, wellness and spa, yachting, horse-riding and education tourism, at the ATM 2011.”

“We’re also giving attention to high-end tourists, enticing them with luxury vacations in places like Langkawi and Pangkor,” Dato Ng said, adding that golfing and the Malaysia My Second Home programme were also geared towards this market segment.