Surge in Malaysian tourist arrivals in first half

by Irangika Range

Malaysian tourist arrivals have recorded a 68 percent increase for the first half of this year showing a growth of 6,792 advents. This was a remarkable growth when compared to the first half of last year. According to Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB) sources, total Malaysian arrivals recorded 10,132 in 2004, while it was 9,331 in 2003.

This was mainly due to all stakeholders in Sri Lanka's tourism industry coming on board to boost tourism of the country that is fast recovering from last year's tsunami. The country's key hotels, tour operators and travel industry associations have developed the Sri Lanka's image by implementing medium and long term campaigns, promotional programmes and participating in exhibitions which have affected the influx of Malaysian tourist arrivals.

Jetwing Hotel Groups' Managing Director and Chairman of the PATA Travel Mart Advisory Committee Hiran Cooray said targeting to promote Sri Lanka's tourist and travel sector, key local travel agents hoteliers and SriLankan Airlines will take part at the 'PATA Travel Mart 2005(PTM05)', Asia Pacific's best travel contracting show for travel products to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from September 27 to 30.

"PTM05 as a major international travel and tourism trade fair would provide avenues to promote Sri Lanka as a tourist paradise with diverse attractions. The local participants aim to build the country's image and make available local products and services to attract the South Asia region. They will also sell tour packages directly to consumers to visit Sri Lanka," Cooray said.

He said that the objective of local participation at the PATA is to showcase, the unique lifestyles this island offers as a diversified product to the global tourism market.

Local participants will focus on promoting leisure, wholesale, MICE and niche market products to attract the South Asia region which is a world's fastest growing region.

"As a key tourism region Sri Lanka is a very attractive country which has divers allures to offer, much of it is yet unexplored and relatively unknown to visitors," he said.

This year, PTM05 is concentrating on four fronts to improve the event such as implementing more stringent buyer pre-qualifications, attract new buyers from emerging and niche markets, attract a wider range of travel products from Asia Pacific and organising educational workshops, seminars to introduce latest travel trends, products and challenges.

PTM04 attracted destinations and suppliers from throughout Asia Pacific, making it the region's premier travel trade event. Last year it attracted a total of 345 global buyers representing 309 organisations from 45 countries and 720 seller delegates representing 342 organisations from 37 countries. This was larger than PTM03 in Singapore.