Malaysia's tourism sector saw an improvement from fifth to third highest Gross National Income (GNI) contributor last year in 2014 despite a decline in tourist arrivals and receipts.
According to the National Transformation Programme Annual Report 2015, in terms of tourist receipts, it decreased by four percent from RM72 billion to RM 69.1 billion in 2015, while tourist arrivals recorded a decline of 6.3 percent from 27.4 million in 2014 to 25.7 million last year.
The drop in tourist arrivals and receipts can be attributed to the global economic slowdown and challenges such as the worst floods in 30 years which affected several states in Malaysia in early 2015 and the earthquake in Ranau, Sabah, in June 2015, regional travel advisory for the coastal areas of the south-eastern coast of Sabah as well as the lingering effects of the MH370 and MH17 incidents.
"Despite various challenges, tourism remains a resilient sector, and it is one of the economic pillars that can assist Malaysia's economic recovery," it said.
It said Malaysia’s competitiveness as a leading tourism destination in the region was recognised via numerous awards in 2015: Best Golf Destination in Asia for the second year running by the World Golf Awards 2015; Best International Destination - Food and Drink 2014 in April 2015 by Travel & Leisure magazine; second most popular shopping city in the world for Muslim tourists by the Muslim Travel Shopping Index 2015 and Top 10 Best Travel Destinations for 2016 by the Lonely Planet.
According to the report, the Malaysian cruise industry continued its upward growth trajectory in 2015 with a marked 50 percent increase in total cruise passengers to 523,272 from 352,322 in 2014.
It said outlet centres for premium items also continued to grow in popularity as Malaysia became the first country to have a Mitsui outlet outside Japan in 2015 and home to the largest Mitsui outlet to-date, which had attracted over one million visitors since its opening.
Tourist spending on shopping also picked up momentum last year, with the total spent on shopping rising by 0.2 percent to RM21.63 million and shopping representing 31.3 percent of the total tourist spending in Malaysia.
The report said government incentives and programmes continued to play a major role in developing the tourism industry, for example the Investment Tax Allowance had encouraged the opening of more 4- and 5-star hotels in 2015 including the luxury Kempinski-branded 5-star hotel which will commence construction in 2016.
The 2015 annual report also stated that in moving forward the government remains steadfast in achieving its ambitious targets of 36 million tourist arrivals and RM168 billion tourist receipts by 2020, given that 2015 represents a halfway mark for the Economic Transformation Programme and to take on board the dynamic landscape of the tourism sector.
"The Ministry of Tourism and Culture has decided that it is timely to review the existing initiatives and identify new product offerings, including incorporating the recommendations of the recent studies embarked by the
ministry," it said.
Bernama
Wed Apr 27 2016
A file photo of Pulau Perhentian in Terengganu. Despite a decline in tourist arrivals and receipts, Malaysia's tourism sector saw an improvement from fifth to third highest GNI contributor last year in 2014.
Team Malaysia Junior and Senior Teams shine at ICU World Cup Korea
Team Malaysia celebrated remarkable achievements at the ICU World Cup in Korea, with the Junior Team clinching first place and the Senior Team earning a well-deserved second place.
What parents need to know about adolescent health and vaping
Nicotine is an incredibly addictive drug that produces feelings of pleasure and relaxation within seconds of inhaling a vape.
Desperate for cash, Gazans sell clothes plucked from rubble
Widespread shortages and months of grinding war have generated a trade in old clothing, mostly salvaged from homes of people who have died.
Chile's 'seed guardians' grow and protect forgotten food varieties
The guardians collect, trade and plant hundreds of seeds to preserve forgotten varieties of tomatoes, corn and other vegetables.
Saying 'no' to mobile phone use while driving
Mobile phones have become indispensable, yet their impact on road safety remains insufficiently examined.
How ASEAN's cybersecurity push could protect people and economies
ASEAN is stepping up to create a more secure regional cyberspace.
How lab-grown meat can feed our need for protein
Putting meat on people's plates is a significant contributor to global warming.
Developing nations blast $300 billion COP29 climate deal as insufficient
Some delegates gave the deal a standing ovation in the COP29 plenary hall. Others lambasted wealthy nations for not doing more.
Johor's four-and-a-half-day work week depends on state govt's rationale - Azalina
She said the state government must have valid reasons for the proposal but declined to elaborate further.
Gunman shot dead, 3 police injured in shooting near Israeli embassy in Jordan
The kingdom has witnessed some of the biggest peaceful rallies across the region as anti-Israel sentiment runs high over the war in Gaza.
23 killed, 45 injured in fresh Israeli airstrikes on eastern Lebanon
Over 3,600 people have been killed by Israeli attacks in Lebanon so far.
Is climate change making tropical storms more frequent? Scientists say it's unclear
Scientists say it remains unclear how much climate change is reshaping the storm season.
Samples obtained by Chinese spacecraft show moon's ancient volcanism
The material provides new insight into the moon's geological history including the oldest evidence to date of lunar volcanism.
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.