Sea Games 2017: Malaysia targets 700,000 foreign tourist arrivals

Malaysia expects about 700,000 foreign tourists to arrive in the country in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games 2017.

Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said the ministry was confident of achieving the target with the country playing host to a sport event which was being much awaited by the people, including the neighbouring countries.

"We are positive about this as SEA Games is an event that can attract many foreign tourists to the country, and also because of Malaysia's location, which is at the centre, making it easier for them to come , either by land, sea or air," he told reporters after opening the 'Red Carpet 2', the second interactive wax museum opened in i-City here Tuesday.

Also present were -Berhad deputy executive chairman Datuk Eu Hong Chew and the Tourism and Culture Minister secretary-general Datuk Ab Ghaffar A.Tambi

Mohamed Nazri said the hosting of the biennial multi-sport event was the best platform to generate income for the country.

The SEA Games 2017, to be held from Aug 19 to 31, is the sixth SEA Games to be hosted by Malaysia, after having hosted it in 1965, 1971, 1977, 1989 and 2001. - BERNAMA