Chongqing – Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia, emphasized the importance of ensuring the sustainability of the China-Malaysia flight route.

“Flight connectivity in the tourism industry cannot rely on just one side,” he remarked during an interview on the sidelines of the 2024 Chongqing International Travel Agent Conference, which began on Tuesday.

“We cannot simply expect Chinese people to come to Malaysia without Malaysians also traveling to China. Without this balance, flight connectivity cannot be sustained.”

As of September, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Malaysia has increased by 5.8 percent compared to the same period from January to September 2019, before the pandemic. “This means that inbound tourism to Malaysia is not only recovering but experiencing better growth from Chinese tourists,” Lee noted.

Meanwhile, Malaysia has become the largest source country for inbound tourism to Chongqing. Lee also highlighted that in other provinces across China, the number of Malaysian tourists consistently ranks among the top two to five among international visitors.

He attributed the surge in mutual tourism to the visa-free policy between the two countries, which has been in effect since December 2023. “This policy has not only boosted Malaysia’s tourism industry but also driven growth in related sectors, such as hospitality and catering,” he said.

Additionally, starting November 30, the visa-free stay for Malaysians entering China will be extended from 15 to 30 days, valid until December 31, 2025.

“This enhancement to the visa policy will surely encourage more frequent movement between the two countries and strengthen people-to-people connectivity,” Lee added.

Currently, there are 11 weekly flights between Chongqing and Malaysia, providing more than 2,500 seats. Nationwide, over 470 weekly flights connect Malaysia and China, offering a total seat capacity exceeding 95,000, according to Lee.

During the conference, the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development and Tourism Malaysia signed a memorandum of cooperation to explore further opportunities for exchange, collaboration, and market expansion.

Lee expressed hope that the memorandum would further promote Malaysia’s tourism offerings. Recognizing Chongqing as a key market for Malaysia, he revealed that Tourism Malaysia is considering establishing a marketing representative office in the city.

Chongqing and Malaysia plan to explore further collaboration in social and cultural interactions, enhance tourism cooperation and exchanges, and strengthen people-to-people, economic, and trade ties.

Lee also noted that collaboration in cultural tourism and promotional efforts is an ongoing initiative. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to promote Malaysia at the event in Chongqing and pledged support for assisting Chongqing with its promotional efforts in Malaysia when needed.