Malaysia targets 2 billion tourists

Malaysia aims to attract two billion tourist yearly after 2015 and would have to upgrade its physical infrastructure and services to achieve this, said Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

She said accommodation was particularly urgent, especially in the corporate tourism segment.

“The trend of accommodation is steering more towards corporate tourism.

“Not just to stay in the hotel room and be at the lobby, but tourists now want a homely atmosphere to stay,” she said after launching Fraser Place Kuala Lumpur (FPKL) on Jalan Perak here last night.

Dr Ng said Malaysia was on its way to reach RM115bil in tourism revenue in 2015 but more development in facilities and services were needed.

Malaysia was one of the few countries last year to record an increase in tourist arrivals by 7.6% despite the world economic downturn, she added.

“People come here because we have political stability.

“We squabble, we bicker, and the rakyat scold us, the leaders, sometimes.

“But it all stops at verbal conflicts,” she said.

Dr Ng added that Malaysia also wants Kuala Lumpur to move up to be among the top five most livable countries in ASEAN from its current 11th place.

The exclusive 215-unit FPKL she launched earlier is about 10 minutes walk from Suria KLCC.

Each unit of the serviced apartment comes fully equipped with modern comforts for the corporate jetsetter.

The luxurious FBKL marked Singapore-based Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd’s first foray into Malaysia and was jointly developed with YNH Property Bhd.

According to Frasers Hospitality chief executive officer Choe Peng Sum, the company’s next Malaysian project, Fraser Residence Kuala Lumpur is underway and is slated to be completed by 2012.

Source : STAR

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