SINGAPORE: Malaysia saw about 13 million tourists
from Singapore last year - an increase of 2.4 per cent compared to
2009.
That makes Singapore their largest tourist market,
generating about 28.4 billion ringgit in tourist receipts last
year.
The Malaysia Tourism Board added that Malaysia's
Homestay Programme are getting more popular among
Singaporeans.
The board also said Singaporeans account for almost half of all
homestay tourists. That makes Singapore the top foreign market for
the programme.
The homestay tourism product was introduced in 1995 as a means to
elevate the socio-economic standing of the rural people in
Malaysia. Currently, more than 140 villages in Malaysia offer this
programme at 3,009 kampong homes.
"What's important is that this homestay programme gives tourists
something special which is more like the kampong lifestyle. When
they stay at the kampong together with the family, like the
Japanese tourists for example, they won't eat sushi and teppanyaki
but instead go for goreng pisang and nasi lemak," said Acting
Director-General for the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, Azizan
Noordin.
Singapore is Malaysia's largest tourist market and the country
wants to increase this number with new events.
Shopaholics can look out for the 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival that
will kick off on June 15 and last till August 31.
In July, there will be the launch of the 1Malaysia Contemporary Art
Tourism Festival - a three-month celebration of Malaysia's talents
filled with exciting art exhibitions highlighting Malaysian
contemporary artists, art auctions and creative festivals.
Meanwhile, foodies can look forward to the Fabulous Food 1Malaysia
in October where they can savour gourmet cuisine, local street food
and ASEAN flavours.
The Malaysian Tourism Board said it is also encouraging
Singaporeans to apply for the Malaysia Automated Clearance System
(MACS) pass.
This allows them to "fast track" through immigration without having
to fill up the white immigration card. As the sticker is embedded
with a radio frequency identification chip that is stuck in the
passport, they can zip through immigration clearance in Malaysia
without worrying if their passport has been stamped.
The Board said if more sign up, it may dedicate one lane for MACS
holders. Some 1,000 Singaporeans are already using MACS.
The announcements were made at the Islamic Fashion Festival which
makes its debut in Singapore. The festival showcases designer
Islamic attire by 12 designers from France, Indonesia, Malaysia and
Singapore.
- CNA/cc/ac