Malaysian agents find ENTRI ineffective for groups

47356302_l

THE Malaysian government’s introduction of ENTRI (electronic travel registration and information) earlier this month to boost Chinese tourist arrivals to Malaysia has been found ineffective in attracting business events from China.

ENTRI allows visitors from China visa-free entry for stays of not more than 15 days. However, the process has proven cumbersome, and is the latest sore point for Malaysian agents after a string of failed initiatives by the government to ease visa restrictions.

Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel assistant manager, business development, Roger Yin, said that the ease of obtaining visa is an important consideration for MICE organisers when choosing a destination.

But ENTRI is not user-friendly for outbound travel agents in China who are attempting to bring groups to Malaysia, according to Mint Leong, secretary general of the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA).

She elaborated: “Agents can only key in the details of up to five applications per unique ID. Imagine the manpower and time needed if there is a group of 600 delegates.”

Leong added that MITA had already written to the Malaysian government on March 14 to have the system rectified, as well as to lengthen ENTRI beyond its December 31 end date, as business events from China usually take six months or more to materialise.

John Chan, business development director, Kris International Traveltours, said: “It is cumbersome as it does not allow smooth processing for big groups. The shortcomings have to be resolved quickly in order not to stifle the enthusiasm of incentive houses and meeting planners who have placed Malaysia as one of the key destinations this year.

“If this is left unresolved, Malaysia will lose its attractiveness as a destination to competing neighbours,” added Chan.

Sponsored Post