Malaysia important and growing source of tourists to Victoria

Malaysia is an important and growing source of tourists to Victoria with 94,000 Malaysian tourists recorded to have visited the Australian state in first quarter of this year.

Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher said Malaysia was the fifth largest tourism market for the state.

Among the reasons why Malaysian tourists liked to visit the state was due to its capital city, Melbourne, strong calendar of events, stylish city experiences and the ease of access to nature-based attractions, she said at the Melbourne Style Showcased event here today.

The event is a part of the Victorian Government's Super Trade Mission to Southeast Asia to promote the state's tourism events especially Melbourne's food and wine, cafe culture, fashion, design and arts.

The mission is Australia's largest to the region, with more than 445 delegates representing 315 Victorian companies.

Asher, who is accompanied by 28 Victorian tourism organisation and businessess, said the Super Trade Mission builds on the strong links that exist between Malaysia and Victoria across a number of industry sectors including trade, migration, education and tourism.

She also said that Victoria and Kuala Lumpur relationships were further strengthened with the setting of Malaysia's Tune Group's hotel in Melbourne November last year.