Malaysia, A Tourism Success Story

by Mark James, First Asia Group
(Malaysia)

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Last year we reported on the extraordinary success of Malaysias burgeoning tourism industry, and with around half the national workforce employed directly or indirectly in the tourism sector Malaysia is certainly not resting on its laurels. 2008 saw Malaysia achieving some 22.05 million tourist arrivals, substantially surpassing the 21.5 million target set by the government under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, an overall increase of 5.1% compared to 2007.

Speaking on behalf of Tourism Malaysia, Mr. Amirrudin Abu, Acting Director General, said, I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our partners in the Malaysian travel trade industry and overseas, as well as members of the media, for doing an excellent job in attaining another milestone in the countrys tourism history. We have achieved an all-time high figure of 22,052,488 tourist arrivals. This is certainly an accomplishment considering the fact that 2008 had been a very trying time for us and a very challenging one as well.

Malaysia is a tropical paradise with beautiful islands and beaches, and a diverse multi-ethnic culture. The infrastructure and health care are both modern and efficient, English is widely spoken.

Malaysia also benefits from an extraordinarily low cost of living. Quite simply, there is literally nowhere else in Asia where can you enjoy such a highly developed infrastructure and pleasantly laid-back lifestyle for such a reasonable price.

Entertainment ranges from yachting to casino gambling, from stunning tax-free islands to mountain climbing and jungle trekking. Malaysia is also home to the magnificent Sepang F1 International Circuit and the Langkawi International Maritime and Air Show Exhibition (Lima). World renowned diving & snorkeling destinations are only ever a short distance away.

The Malaysian government makes it surprisingly easy to live long-term in this hard-to-resist Shangri-la and, in contrast to its northern neighbour Thailand, actively encourages foreign residents to relocate here! 90 day Visitor Passes for most nationalities make travelling in and out of the country a breeze, and for those looking for more permanent living Malaysia My Second Home is the finest foreign residency program in the region. About 12,000 foreign residents are already participating and enjoying the benefits of MM2H which include a tax-free car, property owning rights and a 10 year multiple entry visa.

Malaysias success also comes from its very being; a politically stable, successful, multicultural nation offering everything Asia in one neat, harmonious package. Malaysia, Truly Asia - Asias Hot Retirement Destination!

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