GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia recorded a welcome rise in foreign tourist arrivals after the reopening of borders last April, according to Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Zainuddin Abdul Wahab.
He said Tourism Malaysia was optimistic in achieving the government's target of attracting 9.2 million foreign tourists in visiting Malaysia this year.
"Although it is predicted that an economic recession may occur next year, Malaysia has anticipated the situation and will therefore, strategise by focusing on specific markets," he told reporters at the launch of the Northern Malaysia Coffee Experience today.
He said the main focus of tourist arrivals would be on the domestic, regional and medium-haul markets.
"China was the main contributor last year, but it has not opened its borders yet and we are focusing on other countries such as our Asian neighbours, the Middle East and so on so forth," he said. — BERNAMA