Malaysia woos Indian tourists

Kochi, Mar 3 (UNI) Eyeing India's huge tourism market, the Malaysian Government today launched 'Visit Malaysia Year 2007' campaign and unveiled the 'VMY Passport Programme' to attract domestic tourists.

Speaking to mediapersons after the launch here, Malaysia Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said, ''we are organising a year-long celebration of Malaysia's 50th year of Independence and many exciting events are lined up to attract tourists from all over the world.

He said Malaysia aims to attract around 20.1 million foreion tourists during the period including 400,000 tourists from India.

'' India is a big country with huge population and we are expecting around 400,000 tourists arrivals from the country out of which 35 per cent would be from south India this year,'' Mr Mansor said.

India and Malaysia had lot in common in terms of history and culture and these would synergise to build a better relationship in the field of tourism between the two countries, he said.

''The programme aims to promote Malyasia as the top tourist destination and give an impetus to niche tourism products like ' ''Malaysia My 2nd Home'' programme, wedding and honeymoon packages, shopping, conferences and exhibitions,'' he said.

The Minister said the 'VMY Passport', which would be valid till December 31, 2007, would provide discount vouchers for shopping, dining, entertainment and services and would be available from over 1500 Indian travel agents.

Mr Mansor said his government was holding talks with various airlines to start direct flights to Kaula Lumpur from here.

He said Malaysia was a developing country aiming to be a developed nation by 2020 and tourism was the second foreign exchange earner after manufacturing.

He said similar campaigns would be held in New Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad.

UNI