GEORGE TOWN, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) hopes the government will allocate more for tourism promotion in the Budget 2020 to ensure Visit Malaysia Year 2020 meets its target.

MATTA honorary secretary-general Nigel Wong said the tourism sector needs more money for promotion purposes and infrastructure.   

"We also hope the government will continue to provide more tax incentives on tourism vehicle and relaxing relevant duties as it would lower the cost for us,” he told reporters after announcing Malaysia Airlines as the official airline for MATTA Fair Penang 2019 here today.

He cited an example of a tax relief previously offered to travel agents who brought in inbound tourists.

The incentive was a positive move and should be continued, he added.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng is scheduled to table the Budget 2020 on Oct 11.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines head of sales Roslan Ismail said the airline was ready to bring in inbound tourists that were expected to reach 30 million arrivals during the Visit Malaysia Year 2020.

“We are prepared, and we will improve our flight connectivity in order to handle tourist arrivals next year,” he said, adding that currently the national carrier flies to 1,000 destinations across 150 countries and have access to over 650 airport longes worldwide.  

Earlier, Roslan announced that Malaysia Airlines would offer up to 30 per cent discount on business and economy class tickets to all destinations during the MATTA Fair Penang that will begin on Oct 11 to  Oct 13 at Setia Spice Arena here.

-- BERNAMA