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MALAYSIA’S tourism industry has seen a 40% increase in inbound visitors since the country’s international borders reopened on April 1, 2022. 

Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) Minister Datuk Seri Dr Santhara Kumar Ramanaidu said the opening of the international borders has had a positive impact on the country’s tourism industry. 

“The number of inbound visitors to Malaysia has increased by as much as 40%, particularly from Singapore. This is a good sign for our tourism industry as it shows that the world has confidence in Malaysia and its people,” he said at the official launch of the 12th Malaysia Gifts Fair (MGF) yesterday. 

He added that the government is working hard to ensure the tourism industry continues to grow. 

“We are currently refining our standard operating procedures (SOPs) to make sure that our tourist attractions are safe for our visitors. 

“In the next six months, we are expecting to see an increase in the number of inbound visitors to Malaysia with many festivities taking place,” he said. 

MGF, organised by the Malaysian Gifts and Premium Association (MGPA), is a three-day exhibition that brings together various industry players from all over the world to exchange ideas, share knowledge and networking opportunities. 

MGF organising chairman Ivan Loo said MGF is strongly supported by the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), which serves as a central hub to assist meeting and event planners to bid and stage international business events in Malaysia and acts as a conduit for national product development. 

“We are excited for MGF 2022 to be part of the 3R (reset, restart and responsible) initiative, a MyCEB recovery programme. 

“This puts our industry in an advantageous position to accelerate recovery and inspire growth,” said Loo. 

MGF is a platform for both local and global gifts and premium industry players, comprising over 200 booths. 

This year, international exhibitors will be present in hybrid mode via MGF Online, with participation from reputable companies from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Korea and Indonesia. 

MGPA president Peh Leong Seng said MGF is an important platform for industry players to showcase their products and services to the public. 

“Meeting with the stakeholders gives us the chance to connect, empower and inspire each other to create future synergetic value, encourage knowledge sharing, and strengthen personal and professional connections,” he said. 

After two years of hiatus, MGF is expected to attract more than 14,000 visitors, including local and international buyers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, importers, exporters and agents. 

With the full reopening of borders, MGPA hoped for a strong rebound in the industry as the borders opening will allow for industry revival to bolster recovery. 

The fair will be held from June 22 to 24, 2022, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. 

Source: https://themalaysianreserve.com/2022/04/13/some-40-increase-in-inbound-visitors-after-borders-reopening/