China Eastern Airlines marked inaugural Kunming to Kuala Lumpur flight on Saturday.
Passengers on board flight MU9629 arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport from Kunming, southwest China, were welcomed by Manoharan Periasamy, director-general of Tourism Malaysia, an agency under the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
"With this new additional route, it is a great opportunity to bring in more tourists from China's second-tier cities, especially now with our visa-free policy for Chinese travelers to Malaysia. We continue to amplify our promotional efforts in showcasing Malaysia's rich heritage and warm hospitality to one of our top markets through Tourism Malaysia's overseas offices in China," the agency said in a statement.
Since last December the visa-free policy for Chinese travelers to Malaysia has seen a significant increase in bookings to Malaysia. In 2023, Malaysia welcomed 1.47 million visitor arrivals from China, an exponential growth of 593.4 percent from 2022, it said.
This new route by China Eastern Airlines connecting Kunming to Kuala Lumpur operates daily with a capacity of 156 passengers.
Target to lower prices on basic goods in response to inflation
Wisconsin Republicans ignore governor's call to spend $125M to combat so
Early voting for S. Korea's parliamentary elections kicks off
China ready to work with neighboring countries to expand convergence of interests: spokesperson
Bella Hadid goes braless in a thigh
Jamie Oliver's Air Fryer Meals: Chef fails to impress in new Channel 4 series
China launches publication and education campaign to commemorate martyrs
Latest I'm A Celebrity eviction sees campmates at a loss as they struggle to feed themselves
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Maryland ban on rifles known as assault weapons
China's traffic authorities issue passenger vehicle safety reminder
Amtrak train hits pickup truck in upstate New York, 3 dead including child
South Africa's former president Zuma survives road crash