Malaysian tourist arrivals in PH show biggest growth in 2014

Malaysian tourist arrivals in the Philippines posted the highest growth in the country’s tourism arrivals in 2014 at 27.24 percent for the year, according to data from the Department of Tourism (DOT).

In 2014, a total of 139,245 Malaysian tourists arrived in the Philippines, making it the ninth largest tourist market last year.

It was also the third straight year that tourist arrivals from Malaysia breached the 100,000 mark.

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“Malaysians are increasingly considering the Philippines as a preferred option for their vacations, thanks to the proactive tourism campaigns undertaken by the Philippines in line with Visit Philippines Year 2015 (VPY 2015).  It is complemented by increasing air travel connectivity between the Philippines and Malaysia and positive word-of-mouth in social media about the beauty of our destinations and the graciousness and hospitality of our people,” Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said in a statement Thursday.

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“We are looking forward to seeing more Malaysians visiting the country, as the VPY 2015 campaign ramps up and the country hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings.  The Embassy is also doing its part to bring in more Malaysian tourists to the Philippines as we undertake the second edition of the Ambassador’s Tour to the Philippines, specifically to Cebu and Bohol, on May 2 to 5,” he added.

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For January 2015, Malaysian tourist arrivals continued its upward trajectory as it posted the highest growth year-on-year at grew by 40.92 percent from previous year’s numbers, at 12,256 arrivals, compared to 8,697 arrivals during the same period last year. The country is also the eighth highest source of tourists for the same period.

Other countries with increased number of tourists arriving in the Philippines are South Korea with 24.39 percent growth, United States with 8.24 percent increase, Australia with 12.21 percent upsurge, Canada with 9.19 percent growth and Japan with 8.62 percent increase. IDL