Let’s get ready for Vist Malaysia Year 2014 now, says Ng

Setting the tone: Dr Ng taking part in the 1M4U dance with the public during the mini carnival at the Queensbay Mall outdoor car park in George Town.

 

GEORGE TOWN: Although 2014 may be a year away, the Tourism Ministry is wasting no time in making early preparations to woo the targeted 28 million tourists.

Besides a grand tourism carnival to create awareness in the public and private sectors, Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said her ministry would also reintroduce the salam gesture to welcome visitors to the country.

“It’s symbolic and let’s try to make it a natural habit for everyone,” she said.

The gesture requires one to put his right hand over the left collarbone as a courtesy greeting.

Dr Ng said people should understand that Visit Malaysia Year 2014 was good for the economy as it would generate income for the nation.

“It (tourism) is our third largest foreign exchange earner and generates 1.8 million jobs.