New Year Greetings 2011 by YB Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen
New Year Greetings 2011YB Dato' Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen
Minister of Tourism Malaysia
I wish to express my warm greetings to all of you as we welcome the New Year. Let us fill our hearts with hope and compassion as we reach out for new opportunities and celebrate this occasion in togetherness as 1Malaysia!
The year 2010 has been momentous for the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia. Despite global economic challenges, tourism has put its mark as an important revenue generator to the Malaysian economy. We can look back with pride at the success stories of 2010 - Malaysia recorded a significant increase in tourism arrivals, from a mere 5.5 million tourists in 1998 to 23.65 million in 2009. In UNWTO's report, Malaysia is one of the world's 10 top international destinations of 2009. Lonely Planet listed Malaysia in the top 10 countries for 'Best in Travel 2010' and 'Best-value Destinations For 2010'. Malaysian resort operators also grabbed several awards in the World Travel Awards 2010; "Asia's Leading Green Hotel" for Sukau Rainforest Lodge in Sabah, Asia's Leading Spa Resort' for The Andaman Langkawi, "World Leading Casino Resort" and "Asia's Leading Family Resort" for Resorts World Genting.
Indeed, the significant increase in international tourists influx is indicative of all the efforts and activities by the Malaysian government.
It reflects the successful implementation of strategies at all fronts including new strategic directions in promotion. We achieved the highest rate of return on investment (ROI) per ringgit spent on promotion and the lowest cost of promotion per tourist at RM14. Average tourist spending was RM2,260 per trip.
The Ministry of Tourism Malaysia is committed to the ideals of Responsible Tourism. We believe that the tourism industry can and must preserve, conserve and protect mother nature for a clean and green Malaysia.
Tourism is highly vulnerable; subjected to immediate global developments such as terrorism, natural disasters including diseases.
All Malaysians must be on high alert to ensure that Malaysia maintains its position as the top tourist destination of choice. Hence, the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia has implemented the "Think Tourism, Act Tourism" culture at all times. This does not require big financial investment; it only requires all Malaysians to take collective responsibility in keeping the environment clean and green.
Let us work together to ensure that all tourists can enjoy the famous Malaysian hospitability, for which we are known the world over. We must also place safety as the utmost priority so that they will always feel secured and happy during their stay here in our country.
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