More Malaysians heading to the Philippines

Ambassador Eduardo Malaya. Photo from J Eduardo Malaya Facebook account

PETALING JAYA, Malaysia–More Malaysians are flocking to the Philippines with the highest number recorded to date this year.

Based on data tabulated by the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), Malaysian tourist arrivals increased by 22.5% (88,701) over the first eight months this year compared with the same time period last year.

Overall, Malaysia is also the Philippines’ 10th largest source of tourist arrivals, with 198,138 visitors to date. Last year, Malaysia finished 11th, with 109,437 arrivals.

Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya said the Philippines’ strategy to focus on the Malaysian market has paid off.

“The aggressive tourism promotion campaign undertaken by the Philippine government has worked wonders.

“Malaysians see the Philippines as an attractive tourist destination and there are an increasing number of connections between our countries.”

In April this year, AirAsia launched its Kuala Lumpur to Kalibo service and it also resumed its Kuala Lumpur to Clark flights last month.

Star Cruises also included Puerto Princesa City as a destination of the SuperStar Aquarius ship this month.

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