May 11- Kuwaiti tourists to Malaysia have been increasing every year, said Malaysian tourism minister Dr Ng Yen Yen, who is visiting Kuwait at the moment. "Despite the economic crisis, the number of Kuwaiti tourists increased from 17,000 in 2007 to 18,853 in 2008 and 20,170 in 2009.  We hope to see 25,000 Kuwaiti tourists this year," said Dr Yen at a press conference held on Sunday at Kuwait’s Sheraton Hotel.
Malaysia’s income from tourism hit $15.7 billion in 2009.
The minister, who is visiting Kuwait for the first time, also announced the introduction of special packages to Malaysia in collaboration with Boodai Aviation. "We aim to ensure that tourists stay as long as possible in Malaysia, and to attract 24 million tourists in 2010, with the current number standing at 23.65 million over the past year," she said, adding that "the Malaysian government is currently focusing on religious and educational tourism. We want to make Malaysia feel like a second home.”

Meanwhile, the Vice President and General Manager of Boodai Aviation, Monzer Najia, expressed his appreciation to Dr Yen for putting her faith in his company to promote Malaysia as a major tourist spot for Kuwaiti tourists. Malaysia Airlines' Regional General Manager for the Middle East, Africa and South America, Merina Abu Tahir, who was present at the occasion, said: "Customers should grab these amazing offers. This is an opportunity for those on leisure travel to experience the cultural melting pot in Malaysia. Customers have a choice of wide selection of destinations, ranging from shopping in Kuala Lumpur to the sunny beaches of Penang and Langkawi, as well as eco-tourism in Sabah and Sarawak."