Brexit Will Not Affect UK-Bound Malaysian Tourists - MATTA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) -- Britain's exit from the European Union (EU) will not affect Malaysian tourist arrivals to the country as it is an established tourism destination preferred by many. Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Hamzah Rahmat said the tourism industry was a very resilient industry and not easily be affected by external factors like Brexit. He pointed out that the current low value of the pound would not only benefit Malaysian tourists and students in the United Kingdom (UK) but also attract an influx of international visitors to the country. "London is a top preferred destination for Malaysian tourists. Even in terms of visa, we will not be affected as Malaysia is part of the Commonwealth country and no visa is required to the EU countries, too," he told reporters at a press conference on the National MATTA fair here Wednesday. The UK is expected to leave the EU after a referendum showed 51.7 per cent of its people voted for the country to exit the bloc. The national Matta Fair, from Sept 2 to 4, is a premier travel fair providing global exposure and business opportunities for travel agencies. There will be 1,246 booths available, with an expected turnout of more than 113,000 visitors. -- BERNAMA