50 per cent increase in Indian Tourists to Malaysia

Bangalore, July 9 (UNI) With the boom in tourism to the Far East, Indian Tourists visiting Malaysia have increased by a half in just one year during 2007, Tourism Malaysia Director Manoharan said today.

Talking to newspersons he said till May this year, the tourist arrival was 25 per cent over the corresponding period previous year.

Malaysia welcomed 4.22 lakh Indians last year against as against 2.24 lakh in 2006.

This compared with six lakh tourists from China who visited Malaysia last year.

The revenue generated from India was about USD 1.13 billion last year. India and China remained the chief sources of tourism income to Malaysia, he said.

Replying to a question, he said the reported hate campaign in Malaysia due to isolated incidents about racisim had not affected tourists from India or China.

''The Minister has tendered apology and it was only a stray incident and tourists from other countries are very safe'', he added.

Mr Manoharan said Tourism Malaysia and Singapore Airlines have joined hands to launch 'Best of Malaysia' campaign to attract tourists from Bangalore.

The campaign from July to September had two categories--three nights/four days and 5 nights/six days each packaged at Rs 25,999 and Rs 31,599 respectively inclusive of return ticket, all taxes, airport transfers on SIC basis, accommodation in star category hotel with breakfast and half-day city sightseeing.

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