Leveraging a steep soar in the number of Middle East tourists in 2006, Malaysian Tourism Minister YBM Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor has revealed that Malaysia is on an aggressive promotional strategy to attract 300,000 tourists from the Middle East in 2007. Tengku Adnan, who is in the country to lead a 150 strong high-profile delegation at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM).

Malaysia attracted more than 180,000 tourists from the Middle East last year and has organized an aggressive campaign dubbed ‘Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007’ to promote it as a prime tourist destination and consequently increase the number of tourists. This year the country expects a surge in the number of visitors, as it celebrates its 50th independence day with over 240 year-round festivities set to take place, which will highlight the country’s rich culture and heritage. Some of the cultural festivals include Colours of Malaysia and the Eid-Al Fitr Celebration in addition to world-famous sporting events such as Formula One Grand Prix, Le Tour De Langkawi, Monsoon Cup and other amazing showcases such as the Malaysia International Aerospace Exhibition.

“Malaysia attracted an astounding 17.54 million people last year, which is a 6.8 per cent growth compared to 2005; and we are poised to top that with 20.1 million visitors in 2007 with a focused and intensified tourism strategy that involves both the public and private sectors. The number of Middle East tourists in particular soared by 22.2 per cent with a total of 186,821, and we are determined to increase that to 300,000 this year,” said YBM Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Minister of Tourism, Malaysia.

“We are buoyed by the result of a recent survey by Global Traveller, a US - based magazine, which voted Malaysia as the world’s best destination and with three coveted awards we garnered at the Incentive Travel and Conventions Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) show and 17th Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) Annual Travel Awards in October 2006.”

Accompanying the minister is Dato’ Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, together with senior tourism officials who further bolster the delegation comprised of representatives from 51 hotels, 28 travel & tour operators, 8 state governments, Malaysia Airlines, Malaysia Airport Berhad, Menara KL and the ?Aquaria Kuala Lampur. To complement its strategic efforts in the UAE, part of the delegation will proceed on a post-ATM road show across the Gulf to promote Malaysian tourism in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Damascus from May 4-15, which is expected to attract key tourism players in the respective countries.