Despite the three plane tragedies of last year, the 2014 tourist traffic from the United States (US) to Malaysia remained stable.
"The total number of arrivals from the United States in Malaysia was around 262,000 in 2014. Despite the three tragedies, we achieved our targets.
"Indeed, without the tragedies, we could have achieved a much higher level of arrivals from the United States," Azlina Azni Zainal Abidin, the vice president of the Los Angeles office of Tourism Malaysia, told Bernama during a visit to New York where she attended a meeting.
"Though the three tragedies were terrible, we have been told by the US travel industry that Malaysia’s image as an attractive tourist destination should not be affected. These tragedies, we were told, could happen anywhere," Azlina said.
People who have visited Malaysia have become spokespeople for the country.
"Tourists have told me that Malaysia’s best asset are its people who are very warm, hospitable and helpful. As a destination, Malaysia has a lot to offer. We are continuing to promote Malaysia," she said.
The Tourism Malaysia’s vice president, whose jurisdiction, besides the US west coast, also includes Latin America, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela, and a few other countries, contended that tourist traffic from the US to Malaysia came, mostly, from the west because of its 'proximity to Asia' and the 'good frequency of flights provided by airlines to Malaysia through their national hubs' such as Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airline, All-Nippon Airways, EVA Airways.
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has completely withdrawn from North America, and stopped flying to its two destinations in the US, Los Angeles and Newark-New York, some years back.
"Most of the traffic from the USA to Malaysia comes from the West Coast. We also work with tourism offices of other Asian countries," she said.
Bernama
Tue Apr 21 2015
A file photo of tourists in Malaysia. Despite the three plane tragedies last year, the 2014 tourist traffic from the US to Malaysia remained stable.
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.