KUALA LUMPUR, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today received a courtesy call from David Marriott, chairman of Marriott International, one of the world's largest hospitality companies. Anwar, in a Facebook post tonight, said that he seized the opportunity to discuss strategies for promoting Malaysia as a premier tourist destination and expanding its flight network. He added that he also shared the policy of the MADANI Government which is now bearing fruit, with the country recording an increase in the number of foreign tourists by 28.9 per cent for the first half of 2024, compared with the same period in 2023. 'This, coupled with Malaysia's rich cultural heritage, diverse cuisines, and unique biodiversity, is able to elevate this country as one of the main focus destinations in the Southeast Asian region, especially among tourists from Western countries,' he said. Anwar said that it was important that efforts to promote Malaysia were also joined by industry players and private companies, from with in and outside the country, so that the returns from the success of the tourism sector benefit all Malaysians. Source: BERNAMA News Agency