Malaysia has targeted 90,000 arrivals from Saudi Arabia during this year, compared to 74,632 last year, according to Ahmad Husni Ahmad Basri, overseas director, Saudi Arabia, Levant, Yemen and North Africa, Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB), based in Jeddah. Basri said that the number of arrivals in the June to September period last year was 42,079, which this year is forecast to increase by 15 percent in the same period. “More Saudi tourists are expected to visit Malaysia this year as our key indicators show that Malaysia remains a very popular destination for Saudis,” Basri told Saudi Gazette here on Tuesday. “This is because Malaysia has good direct flight connections from Jeddah and Riyadh to Kuala Lumpur. At the same time there are many daily connecting flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and other countries in this area as well. Malaysia continues to build new hotels with affordable price, upgrade all tourist facilities and introduce many new destinations in Malaysia that are suitable for Saudi tourists,” he added. “We are targeting young couples, honeymooners, and also focusing on education tourism, health tourism and many others,” he explained. Asked about visa requirements, he said that Saudis do not need visa to Malaysia. “Upon arrival, entry will be granted ranging from 30 to 90 days,” he added. Asked if children have to have a separate passport, Basri said there was no such need. Also, children do not need a visa to visit Malaysia. He said that besides the regular touristic places visited by Saudis in the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia (such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi Islands), Malaysia also now offers touristic places in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia (such as Kuala Terengganu, Redang Island, Perhentian Island and Tioman Islands) as genuine tropical paradise for nature lovers / divers / sport fishermen. “Grand vacation to East Malaysia (also known among western tourists as Malaysian Borneo) to the State of Sabah is now being promoted as well. Sabah has the best diving island in the world known as Sipadan Island,” Basri said. He said that tourism is the second highest foreign exchange earner in the Malaysian economy. “It has witnessed a tremendous increase over the years,” he added. “Last year, the total receipts from Saudi visitors was RM 596.4 million, as against RM623.9m in 2007, which, of course will witness a jump in view of the expected 90,000 visitors in 2009,” he said. He said that as for international arrivals, and tourist receipts, the figures have respectively increased from RM15.70 million and RM29.666 million in 2004 to 22.05m and RM49.561m in 2008. “There has been a steady increase,” Basri said, and added, “From 16.43 million arrivals and RM31.917m receipts in 2005, to 17.55 million arrivals and RM36.121m receipts in 2006, and 20.97m arrivals and RM 46.070m receipts in 2007.” Shahrun Nawi, sales manager, Malaysia Airlines in Jeddah, said that since the beginning of the year, travel from the Kingdom to Malaysia has been increasing. From 2,938 in January, it rose to 5,405 the following month. Nawi explained that under the Stimulus Package, which includes first, business and economy class, those traveling to Malaysia can buy tickets for domestic travel at specially discounted rates. “Of the nine fare options available, a majority – seven – are for domestic travel,” he said. “Never waste a good crisis,” said Nawi. “While we cannot control the operating environment, we can control the way we run our business. These deals have been tailored to meet what the travelers from the region want – best value for their money. Now is the best time to travel. Travelers are the ones to truly benefit as we are looking for innovative ways to meet their needs, and interests,” he added. For example, in economy, for every two adult economy class tickets purchased, a child below 12 years of age travels free on domestic. For one economy class ticket, the companion gets a free ticket. Moreover, special fares are available online for selected destinations from time to time. For travel during weekends, there are all inclusive fares of RM69 for travel within the Peninsular and East Malaysia, and RM99 for travel between East and West Malaysia. Also passengers can enjoy up to 80 percent discounts when they book online for domestic and Asean travel. An interesting offer is that economy class passengers can enjoy business class travel privileges including access to the lounges and accrual of Enrich miles.
