“The funding for Visit Malaysia Year 2025 seems to be inadequate, taking into account the government’s target of achieving 23.5 million tourist arrivals and tourism receipts of RM76.8bil,” he said.
He said the funding for Visit Malaysia Year 2014 was RM358mil with 27.44 million tourist arrivals when the exchange rate for US dollar was at 3.3. “This means that the cost has significantly gone up, thus a bigger allocation is needed. It is crucial to cushion the gap between now and 2025. “In order to spur tourism operations, further stimuli have to be introduced so that industry stakeholders can effectively do their part to meet our national tourism targets,” he added.
MATTA had requested for individual tax relief to encourage Malaysians to travel domestically and double deductions for incentive trips, as well as business events to boost domestic tourism.
Thailand is a big competitor . Their food & service is top rated , their govt don’t police what tourists / locals wear and alcohol is not frowned upon