13.35 Million Tourist Arrivals In Malaysia Between January And June

SUNGAI PETANI (Kedah), Nov 2 (Bernama) -- Tourist arrivals in Malaysia recorded 13.35 million between January and June this year, a growth of 4.9 per cent compared to the same period last year. Tourism, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik said furthermore, the tourism revenue received was RM41.69 billion which showed a growth of 6.8 per cent as compared to the same period the year before. "Cultural tourism in Malaysia is also thriving and has generated an average revenue of RM551 million for the past three years. "The appeal of seeking adventure in culture, history and local experience is increasing and I believe high-end art pieces, established art galleries and events like today have a crucial role in boosting the overall tourism industry," he said. He said this in his speech when officiating the Daiichi Modern Art Gallery 20th Anniversary International Academic Art Exhibition at Daiichi Modern Art Gallery, here Saturday. Muhammad Bakhtiar said his ministry (MOTAC) will continue to support arts and cultural activities as part of an ambitious Visit Malaysia 2020 (VM2020) campaign, bringing out the best of what Malaysia has to offer to the world in a single, event-packed year. "With Visit Malaysia 2020 upon us, I also welcome Daiichi Modern Art Gallery's efforts to draw more international tourists, particularly art lovers and collectors who enjoy the works of local Malaysian artists," he said. About the art exhibition from Saturday until Nov 30, he said 45 artists from 16 countries such as China, Finland, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Lebanon and Singapore, Sweden, Taiwan and Thailand are participating in the exhibition. "I was made to understand that the gallery has hosted numerous international and local art exhibitions and art camps, including the 3rd Malaysia Art Biennale in Penang last year," he said. -- BERNAMA