MATTA President Datuk Tan Kok Liang says, “This is necessary in view of Thailand waiving visa-on-arrival (VOA) fees for two months from December 1 to January 31 for visitors from 21 countries, including China and India, in stimulating its tourism industry following consecutive months of year-on-year decline in Chinese arrivals to Thailand.”
In order to boost tourist arrivals, the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has made an appeal to the government to waive visa fees for Chinese and Indian tourists.
MATTA President Datuk Tan Kok Liang says, “This is necessary in view of Thailand waiving visa-on-arrival (VOA) fees for two months from December 1 to January 31 for visitors from 21 countries, including China and India, in stimulating its tourism industry following consecutive months of year-on-year decline in Chinese arrivals to Thailand.”
“It is given that imposition of visa and its requirements are barriers to foreign visitors, and easing visa restrictions would facilitate tourist arrivals. As such, Malaysia must take the proactive step to waive visa fees, particularly on Chinese and Indian tourists, as they are increasingly responsive and sophisticated.”
He adds that a visa fee waiver would help Malaysia stay competitive with neighbouring countries and that Chinese and Indian tourists in Thailand can take advantage of such a waiver and extend their holiday in Malaysia.
“Since 2012, Chinese tourists are the world’s biggest spenders and are known for emptying stores of luxury brands in Europe. If visa fees are waived or Chinese tourists allowed to stay up to 14 days without visas, it is certain to attract much more visitors to our shores. If we are not ready to grant Chinese tourists visa free entry for up to 14 or 30 days stay, we could start with waiving the visa fee for three months from December” he adds.
Currently, Chinese nationals travelling to Malaysia pay US$40 for a single-entry e-visa and US$40 as service fee.