Jump in Omani tourists to Malaysia

Muscat: The number of Omanis visiting Malaysia increased by 37 per cent in 2018, Shahrin Mokhtar – Tourism Malaysia Director, said on Tuesday.
In 2017, 16,282 Omanis visited Malaysia but in 2018 the number jumped to 22,295, representing a 36.9 per cent growth in tourist arrivals.
This data was revealed at road show organised by Tourism Malaysia in Muscat, to target more tourists from Oman.
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Shahril Effendi Abd. Ghany, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Sultanate of Oman, expressed satisfaction at the excellent bilateral relations between the Sultanate and Malaysia which have continued to strengthen since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1983.
The bilateral trade grew by 42.1 per cent to $828.8 million in 2018 as compared to 2017 in addition to more than one thousand Omani students presently enrolled in Malaysian universities are testament of the deep friendship and people-to-people relationship.
He added that Malaysia, as a whole, is an attractive destination for Omanis given the country’s rapid development, progressive Islamic background, excellent infrastructure, amenities, competitive cost and easy access to halal food.
Shahrin Mokhtar – Tourism Malaysia Director said: “Malaysia’s diverse tourist attractions such as islands and beaches, shopping and theme parks, cultures, delicious local food, thick rainforests, warm climate, and luxury experiences, offer tourists from Oman a pleasurable tropical holiday at highly reasonable prices at any time of the year. With the travel industry support and cooperation, we hope to make Malaysia the preferred destination choice for the tourists from Oman.”
Last year, Malaysia was named the Best Muslim Travel Destination 2018 by MasterCard & Crescent Ratings 2018 Global Muslim Travel Index.
Malaysia was also listed in the Top 5 for country with the Best Healthcare and the Best Places to Retire in the World 2018 by internationalliving.com.