Arab tourists spend 10 times more than others

Arabs spend on average 10 times more than other tourists, and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat thinks Malaysia must bring more of them here. While not in charge of tourism, whose portfolio is held by Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, he believes both ministries prop up the nation's tourism industry.

Ong, who was speaking after the launch of the Marhaba programme yesterday, emphasised the need to "open new frontiers" in access by air, which falls under his purview, between Malaysia and the 300 million-odd people of the oil-rich desert lands.

"The Middle East has many countries. And we need to expand landing rights and create new routes for full-service or low-cost flights."

He said it was important for the transport and tourism ministries to work together as transport, particularly flight availability, was a factor that determined tourist arrivals.
Marhaba provides information on travel, hotels and shopping to Middle-Eastern tourists in Malaysia.


Source : NST
[tags : malaysiahotelnews hotels malaysia resorts news travel tourism travel vmy2008]