Malaysia gears up for 1994

MALAYSIA claims it attracted the largest number of tourists among member countries in 1992 during Visit ASEAN Year (VAY), around 6.2 million.

Singapore and Thailand each attracted 5.99 million, Indonesia 3.06 million, the Philippines 1.28 million and Brunei 522,000.

A total of 147 special events were held in the ASEAN countries during VAY. The Philippines hosted the most, 34, but as the figures indicate, it was still way down the list in the number of visitors. Last year there was an increase in visitors to Malaysiafrom Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and China.

Malaysia is now gearing up for Visit Malaysia Year 1994, and is making tourism a priority in its development plans. The last VMY was in 1990 when tourism was said to have increased by 53 per cent over 1989.

More than 160 events have been planned for next year compared with 127 in 1990.

Eighteen packages to coincide with major events are being organised for foreign tourists from March to November, taking in Peninsula Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah.