MALACCA: Tourists from China are expected to contribute RM22.1 billion in income to Malaysia in the next five years.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the amount can be achieved as the government has targeted attracting eight million tourists from China during that period from the present 1.3 million.
He said even though the target was huge, it can be achieved.
"As for the Home Ministry, we have introduced the e-visa to make tourist arrivals to the country easier," said Zahid, who is Home Minister at the opening of the Freeport A'Famosa Outlet in Alor Gajah here today.
Zahid said efforts should also be intensified to introduce chartered and direct flights from China to more destinations in the country such as Langkawi and Malacca.
"I will give my full support to the effort to upgrade the Malacca International Airport in Batu Berendam to allow larger aircraft to land," he said.
Present was Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.