MALAYSIA'S NEW CHINA & INDIA VISA EXEMPTION INITIATIVE - HOTEL INDUSTRY OPTIMISTIC

MEDIA STATEMENT

MALAYSIA'S NEW CHINA & INDIA VISA EXEMPTION INITIATIVE

HOTEL INDUSTRY OPTIMISTIC

Kuala Lumpur, 1 December 2023 - The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) expresses its sincere appreciation to the Malaysian government for the strategic

decision to implement a 30-day visa-free travel program for citizens of China and India effective today. The initiative serves as a great occasion for Malaysia to carry out a massive promotion to attract tourists from these high-yield countries ahead of our Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).

The exemption was in reciprocation to China giving Malaysians 15-day visa free travel and to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic ties between our nations.

MAH recognizes the far-reaching benefits of this initiative, not only in revitalizing Malaysia's tourism sector but also in fostering stronger economic ties between us and

the two nations.

This decision also positions Malaysia to capture a significant market share from two of the most lucrative markets globally, China and India. Historically, both nations have been significant contributors to Malaysia's tourism receipts and arrivals. The Tourism, Arts, and Culture Minister has noted a substantial increase in tourists from these nations in the January to September period of this year compared to 2019, indicating a growing interest in Malaysia as a tourism destination by these two nations. It is hoped that with this exemption in place, we are able to gain the momentum needed to cement Malaysia's standing as the preferred destination for this discerning market.

MAH is ready and looking forward to collaborating with the government in ensuring the success of this visa exemption initiative. The hotel industry is prepared for the

expected surge in Chinese and Indian tourists and sees this as an opportunity to significantly boost the recovery rate of Malaysia's hotel sector.

As the nation embark on this new phase of visa-free travel, MAH remains committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the growth and recovery of Malaysia's

tourism and hospitality sectors.

Once again, we extend our gratitude to the government for being receptive to the

industry’s needs and for this timely initiative that will serve as an important drive for

tourism ahead of our VMY2026.

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About the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH)

Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) is the umbrella body for hotels in Malaysia formed in 1974 and initially established by a group of concerned and dedicated hoteliers to bring about a more dynamic hospitality industry aimed at building a workforce of highly skilled, innovative and disciplined individuals. Its long-term goal was to enhance the efficiency of the hospitality industry, thus, bringing about a more dynamic Malaysian hospitality industry. MAH, as the official national network for the hotel industry, represents more than 900 hotels throughout Malaysia supplying a total of 155,287 rooms which is about 65% of the total number of hotel rooms available as guest accommodation in this country. With 13 chapters across the nation, MAH acts as a voice of the industry, working as one body to promote, protect, represent and advance the interests of its members.

About MAHTEC

MAHTEC Sdn Bhd commenced its fiscal year in 1998 to profile MAH as a human resource development provider and to upgrade the skills and knowledge of staff-in-service in the industry. MAHTEC is the training arm of the Association specializing in developing quality human resources in the hospitality industry. Highly specialized in the areas of Hospitality Skills Training and Managerial Development Training, all programs are facilitated by experienced and qualified Trainers through workshops and practical session.