KUCHING, April 5: Beijing Tourism Group (BTG) travel agencies have proposed that Malaysia links up with their charter flight services to schedule more flights to underserved cities in states such as Sabah and Johor.
Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Dato Sri Tiong King Sing said this was a promising suggestion from the meeting with China Comfort Travel Service and Shenzou International Travel Group earlier today.
“I’m also pleased to share that the respective leaders of Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China have held progressive talks on implementing visa-on-arrival and visa-free rules.
“I believe that our mutual foreign affairs ministries will soon arrange working discussions on this.
“In this matter, I recommend that some states and specific islands should be considered for a form of regional incentive such as being granted visa-free travel to limited or selected areas,” he said in a statement today.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman, said June to August is the conventional peak season for tourism.
He urged for all industry players to push forward Malaysia’s tourism projects, especially when Chinese travel agencies are ready to work with Malaysia on large-scale events.
“Organisers of these events should cooperate with large hotel chains to organise venues, accommodation, transportation, and other tourism related services.
“With all these plans in gear, we will be well on our way to bringing in 15 million (visitors) to Malaysia this year,” said Tiong. — DayakDaily
