GEORGE TOWN, Feb 10 — Visa-on-arrival is crucial to keep the Malaysian tourism sector competitive against its Southeast Asian counterparts, says Penang State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman, Yeoh Soon Hin.
In a statement here today, he said that he supported the recent remark made by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing to allow visa-on-arrival for all countries entering our borders.
“The Penang state government has been taking various initiatives to bring back tourists to Penang, but our country as a whole is still struggling to catch up with our neighbouring countries,” he said.
Reflecting on the unexpected crisis that shook the tourism sector in 2020, Yeoh stated that improvements and adaptations must be implemented and the state government needs to rethink how it can move forward in the tourism sector.
He stated that Malaysia has to take proactive measures like granting visitors a visa-on-arrival in order to speed up the visa application process and make it simpler for tourists to visit and explore all that our country has to offer.
“With this option available, visitors can obtain their visas upon arrival at the airport, eliminating the need to apply in advance.
“I am confident that with this change, it can boost tourism and further promote Malaysia as a welcoming and accessible tourism destination in the world,” he added.
— Bernama
