Johor sees increase of 3 million tourists in 3 years

ISKANDAR PUTERI: There was an increase of three million tourists who stayed overnight and shopped in Johor over three years.

Johor Tourism, Domestic Trade and Consumerism Committee chairman Datuk Tee Siew Kiong said the state was popular among tourists, especially those from neighbouring countries.

“Based on Tourism Malaysia statistics, tourists who stayed overnight and spent money in Johor recorded a significant increase from 3.9 million people in 2012 to 6.95 million in 2015.

“This is an increase of three million tourists in three years,” said Tee in reply to a question by Chen Kah Eng (DAP-Stulang) at the state assembly yesterday.

He said tourists flocked to Johor to visit tourist draws, some of which were opened recently.

These included the Johor Premium Outlets, Legoland Malaysia, which is the first of its kind in Asia, the first Sanrio Hello Kitty Town outside of Japan and the islands off Mersing, dubbed the Maldives of Malaysia.

“Johor is expected to continue to receive an influx of tourists from neighbouring countries. The state government has always strived to develop the tourism sector so that it could contribute to the state’s economy.”

He said business-matching initiatives to promote Johor at source countries of these tourists helped to bring in more tourists.

Tee said the Xplore Johor promotional blitz, which was conducted four times at domestic locations and six times overseas last year, had spurred interest in Johor’s holiday spots.

“Tourists who stay and spend in Johor will spur businesses, especially those related to accommodation, transportation, tourist guides, food and beverages, and small and medium industries that create handicraft.”