Malaysia leaps to second spot on Asian tourism map

In terms of the number of tourists, Malaysia is the second most popular destination in Asia, overtaking Thailand, according to a tourism minister from the state of Johor.

"When we started our campaign, 'Malaysia, Truly Asia', our tourist intake was a little above five million, much lower than Thailand. Now, Malaysia receives more than 12 million visitors a year, thanks to our efforts in promoting tourism," said Dr. Chua Soi Lek, the minister for tourism in Johor.

"Now, each of the Malaysian states promote their own products in different roadshows and separate campaigns. We also work with Tourism Malaysia, which participates in most of the international tourism and travel exhibitions."

Johor is making its own campaign to promote the state.

"Visit Johor - 2003 is aimed to increase the share of our own tourists," he said.

Johor is separated from Singapore by a 1.5 kilometre long causeway. More than 60 per cent of tourists to Malaysia pass through the state.

"Accommodation is cheaper than most cities in the Gulf: a five-star accommodation might range between $40-80 at the most, depending on the rush and season.

"Our state capital, Johor Bahru, is the second most important commercial and industrial city after Kaula Lumpur with hundreds of heavy industries ranging from electronics to textiles and readymade garments.

"We are trying to promote the city as a complement to Singa-pore, so anyone visiting Singapore can get a slice of Malaysian flavour from Johor Bahru, without actually going to the north and Kuala Lumpur.

"We have a lot of Arab visitors from the Middle East, which is going to increase in the coming years."

Decades of sustained economic growth and political stability has made Malaysia one of the most buoyant countries in Asia-Pacific.