KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is eagerly awaiting the return of Chinese tourists to boost the country's foreign revenue.
Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Datuk Tan Kok Liang said he believed visitors from China would return in large numbers once Beijing relaxes travel restrictions for its citizens.
"We believe that China has a significant impact on driving tourism not only in Malaysia but the Asean region as a whole.
"We are hoping for an increased number of direct flights between China and Malaysia in line with the aspirations of the people of both countries, visa updates and investments in tourism," he said.
Tan said, for the past 13 years, China had been Malaysia's leading commercial partner, and even during the height of the global Covid-19 pandemic, bilateral trade had increased.
He added that China-Malaysia trade climbed 5.7 per cent to US$131.16 billion (RM579.72 billion) last year despite the pandemic.
Malaysia and China's bilateral trade volume, he said, increased by 34.5 per cent last year to US$176.8 billion (RM781.45 billion).
"For the first four months of this year, the rise was 19.7 per cent, equivalent to US$61.57 billion in revenue (RM272.14 billion).
"This signals a positive expansion momentum, keeping in mind that both countries offer compelling and distinctive attractions," Tan said after meeting Chinese ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.
He added that prior to the pandemic, on Jan 19, 2020, Matta had planned a number of mini-shows to mark the "Malaysia-China Year of Culture and Tourism", with China's culture and tourism vice-minister officiating the event.
"Matta also wants China as a preferred travel destination for Malaysians because Muslim travel to China is an emerging market.
"Places like Xinjiang, Nanning, Ningxia, Gansu, Xian/Shaanxi, Qinghai and Guilin are the preferred choice for Muslim tourists," he said.
He added that in light of the expanding business investments, business and trade operations between Sabah and China, Matta had invited Ouyang to experience climbing the renowned Mount Kinabalu.
"We have suggested to Ouyang the possibility of a China-based commercial bank branch being established in Kota Kinabalu," said Tan.
Meanwhile, Ouyang said in 2019, 3.1 million Chinese tourists had visited Malaysia, as compared with 1.38 million Malaysians who had been to China.
"We believe that the number of visitors to both countries will continue to expand significantly, keeping in mind that both places offer compelling and distinctive attractions.
"To promote both destinations, the China Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur will expedite its involvement with Matta and further encourage tourism exchange and product updates," Ouyang said.
