150,000 Chinese tourists expected over CNY

SOME 150,000 tourists from China are expected to visit Malaysia during the upcoming Chinese New Year period, representing an increase of 30% from last year’s figure.

Industry players told Sin Chew Daily that Chinese tourists not only like to visit scenic spots in the Klang Valley but also attractions in other parts of the country, providing a much-needed boost to domestic growth.

Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) deputy president Mint Leong said the bulk of the Chinese visitors joining the Spring Festival tours will fly in on the first week of the Chinese New Year, the daily reported yesterday.

All the hotel rooms in Sabah, a favourite destination for Chinese tourists, have been fully booked, she disclosed.

“Chinese tourists like Malaysia’s sunshine, beaches and islands,” she said.

Mita exco member John Lee said with the increase in direct flights, Chinese tourists, whose main destinations were attractions in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor in the past, are also visiting places such as Penang, Langkawi, Pahang, Perak, Johor and Sabah.

Pointing out that the global economic slowdown has not dampened the tourism industry, he estimated that the first 10 days of the festival will see a 20-30% increase in Chinese tourist arrivals compared with the same period last year.