Malaysia: Flight incident won't hit tourism industry, say authorities

Kuala Lumpur, March 20: The case of missing

Airlines (MAS) Flight MH370 might have faded the image of the country's aviation sector. But Malaysian

department is confident that it won't affect the country's tourism industry.

Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Mirza Mohammad Taiyab on Thursday told media that the flight incident should not be a deterrent to promote the country internationally.

A plane carrying 239 people, including five Indians, vanished from radar screens during its flight to Beijing last Saturday, about an hour after taking off from Kuala Lumpur.

"During a crisis, the people will usually stay out of the scene, but we are still here and engaging with the industry. It is about giving the assurance to the industry, while the search and rescue (SAR) mission for the missing jet is ongoing", he said.

"Tourism Malaysia's aim to woo more tourists to the country should not be hampered by this one incident," he said.

"So, here I am, to assure them and doing all things necessary to continuously attract tourists to Malaysia," said Mirza Mohammad.

India and Malaysia

Mirza Mohammad said that India had always been an important market for Malaysia.

Last year, a total of 650,989 Indian travellers visited Malaysia, he noted.

India is maintaining its position as the sixth top tourist generating market for Malaysia. This year, Tourism Malaysia is expecting close to between 780,000 and 800,000 tourists from here.

Last year, Malaysia's tourism sector continued to be a significant contributor to the country's economy.

Oneindia News