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Good news is finally coming out of Malaysia – is it time for Aussies to return?

Two years ago, Malaysia's tourism industry was hit by not one, but two aviation disasters that sent international arrivals spiraling from all major markets.

Two years ago, Malaysia’s tourism industry was hit by not one, but two aviation disasters that sent international arrivals spiraling from all major markets.

The country’s flag carrier, Malaysia Airlines, was forced to adjust and consolidate operations in order to reduce financial loss, as the country’s tourism leaders watched visitor numbers fall despite ongoing marketing activities.

Director General of the country’s tourism board, Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammed Taiyab, described the 24-month period as tough, but says the country is finally moving out of the hard period and into a promising future.

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Speaking at the launch of the 2016 Taste of Malaysia Food Festival at The Grace Hotel in Sydney yesterday, the Director General told attendees that “good news is coming out of the country”, with the country spearheading new, appealing tourism infrastructure, but more importantly airlines seeing a return in passengers.

“Malaysia Airlines has gone through a consolidation phase and are now ready for expansion.”

Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammed Taiyab, Tourism Malaysia Director General

According to the carrier’s latest figures, the airline carried 3.6 million passengers during the period from July to September 2016, up from 3.3 million the prior quarter.

Passenger revenue jumped by 12 percent, while load factor improved to 79 percent, up 10 percent on the previous three months. The airline’s Chief Executive, Peter Bellew, attributed results to the airline’s recent cost cutting and focus on customer service.

Malaysia Airlines

Now, after 24 months, that the airline is finally seeing some positive results come through, Tourism Malaysia’s boss says tourists can expect more good news from the airline in the coming months, such as expansion plans, upgrades to services and potential expansions in Australia.

In the country there’s also plans to improve the visitor experience through new developments such as additional hotels, new theme parks and “other things to ensure visitors from Australia will have a splendid experience”.

Malaysia’s Minister of International Trade and Industry, Dato Sri Mustapa Mohamed, said he hopes that these changes along with growing interest in the country will help boost tourism from Australia.

“We’re seeing growing interest in Malaysia across the board, and I’m happy to see so many Australians are familiar with Malaysia.”

Dato Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry

“They want to do more business with us and they want to visit.”

Malaysia

Hoping to showcase some of the destination’s many attributes, especially its diverse culinary scene, Sydneysiders will be able to experience the exotic flavours of Malaysia at this year’s Taste of Malaysia Food Festival.

Running from 6 to 11 December at The Grace Hotel, on the corner of York and King Street, the five-day event will showcase many Malaysian dishes from spicy curries to vegetarian and seafood salads as well as a variety of unique sweets.

Have you travelled to Malaysia? Tell us about your experience below.