Tourism Malaysia is planning a range of marketing promotions designed to increase visitor numbers in 2016. The destination is very much a top-mind-destination according to Dato Abdul Khani David, with a list of USPs such as value for money, best of Asia in one destination, well developed infrastructure, a great diversity of culture and attractions, modern transport and communications, and a safe destination.
The targets for 2020 under the Malaysia Tourism Transformation Plan are 36 million tourist arrivals up from 24 million in 2009, with RM168 billion in tourist receipts, up from RM53 billion in 2009 – ambitious but achievable according to Tourism Malaysia.
The target for 2016 is 30.5 million tourist arrivals.
The country has 4,072 hotels with 262,021 rooms. There are new luxury hotels planned such as the St Regis Kuala Lumpur in KL central opening in April 2016, the St Regis Langkawi also in April 2016, while the W Hotel in Jin Ampang will open in 2017, as will the Four Seasons Place at the KLCC.
The Jumeriah Hotel KL, listed to open in Jin Amapang in 2021, is claiming 6-star status.
