Zika cases have no impact on local Tourism Industry so far - Iskandar

Two confirmed Zika Virus cases in the country has had no impact on the local Tourism Industry thus far said Tourism Malaysia (Domestic Promotion Division) director Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof.

Iskandar said only two confirmed Zika Virus cases have been reported in Malaysia, namely one in Selangor and the other in Sabah.

"However, we must monitor the situation closely since there is no specific place for the spread of the Zika Virus. It can happen anywhere," he told reporters after the opening of the 'Jejak Perwira 2016' seminar by Negeri Sembilan Tourism Board chairman Datuk Mohammad Razi Kail at Auditorium Muzium Tentera Darat, here today.

Iskandar said he had full confidence in efforts, initiatives and preventive measures taken by the Health Ministry and the Local Governments to combat Zika Virus.

The most effective way of preventing the spread of Zika Virus is to destroy Aedes mosquito breeding grounds and monitor hot spots that have been identified.

He said according to statistics, domestic tourism saw a 3.3 percent growth last year compared to 2014 since domestic tourists accounted for 62.7 million people.

"Although the number of foreign tourists had dropped last year there are indications that more people chose local destinations for holidays due to the uncertain global economy.

"At the Matta Fair last week, domestic tourism registered RM5.7 million in sales to local destinations," he said.