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Malaysia is ready to welcome the projected one million tourists annually from China, over the next ten years, said Tourism Minister Michael Toyad.

Opening the Malaysia China Travel Mart 2004 in Genting Highlands on Sunday, the tourism chief said the travel mart is aimed at enhancing and further strengthening travel trade between Malaysia and China.

Organized by Tourism Malaysia, in conjunction with Malaysia China Friendship Year 2004, the event provided an opportunity for the Malaysian tourism industry to showcase their products and services to their Chinese counterparts.

Minister Toyad said: With a population of 1.3 billion, and strong economic performance, China is a good tourist market to target. We hope to sell our tropical beaches, rainforests, caves, island and mountain resorts to our visitors from China. Our variety of food, unique mix of culture and educational facilities are also attractions.

Added Li Si Qin from Shenzhen Tourist Group: Malaysia tropical weather is an attraction to Chinese tourists who want to escape the weather in our country, which is cold most of the time. Packages with programs like jungle trekking and snorkeling in Sabah, Sarawak and islands resorts like Langkawi and Pulau Redang will offer more choices and attract more Chinese tourists. There are now tourists, especially the older folks, who come to Malaysia a few times a year, Qin added.

Tourism Malaysia has set-up offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. In addition, to help ease entry procedures for Chinese tourists, an online visa (e-visa) service was started for applicants in the Shanghai area.

Tourism Malaysia also plans to print special maps and brochures in Chinese language.