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