Philippine tourist arrivals was 4.7 million in 2013.


Foreign tourist arrival to Malaysia not affected by MH370 incident
MARCH 11, 2014

KUALA LUMPUR, March 11 — Foreign tourist arrival to Malaysia including from China has not been affected by the missing MH370 flight incident.

A random survey by Bernama following the incident, found that business at most tour and travel agencies around the city was brisk as usual.

Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (Matta) president Hamzah Rahmat said feedback from association members showed no record of flight reservation cancellations by both inbound and outbound tourists.

“But we will observe and provide updates on any cancellation. Everything is normal so far,” he told Bernama.

Hwajing Travel and Tours Sdn Bhd assistant manager Mai Lim said the agency continued to receive flight reservation requests particularly from China.

“The latest we received was today, for a flight from Beijing to Malaysia tomorrow (March 12),” she said.

AAM Travel Sdn Bhd marketing executive Shahira Johari told Bernama that none of their customers called to cancel their bookings.

“All prior reservations remain intact. In fact, this March 28-31, a group of 31 people will be going to Guangzhou, China on holiday,” she said.

MJ Travel Sdn Bhd reservations staff Emily Chia Lee Hooi said the company had also not received any cancellation requests.

“So far, no one has cancelled their reservations or our tour guide services,” she said.

Meanwhile, Directlink Travel and Tour Sdn Bhd manager Dickie Leow said only five tourists from Beijing cancelled their April flight reservations to Malaysia following the incident.

“Reservations are also at a slow pace, but it is probably because holidaymakers are anticipating the Matta Fair 2014 on March 14-16 to get better deals,” he said.

On the Matta fair, Hamzah said preparations were being finalised.

“Tour operators from China will take up 10 of the booths at the fair,” he disclosed.

Twenty eight million visitors are targeted for ‘Visit Malaysia 2014’, which would potentially generate a revenue of RM76 billion for the country. — Bernama
- See more at: Foreign tourist arrival to Malaysia not affected by MH370 incident | Travel | The Malay Mail Online