JOHOR BARU: When the border reopens, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry is targeting the number of visitors from Singapore to be at least a third of 2019 figures.

       Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Santhara Kumar said while the ministry did not have a specific target, it hoped that tourist arrivals would be between 30% and 50% from before the pandemic.

       "Prior to the pandemic in 2019, we received a high number of visitors. Even if we can get anywhere between 30% and 50% of the number of visitors in 2019, it will still be considered a great achievement," he said at a press conference after the pre-launch ceremony of the Bangsa Johor Festival here on Thursday (March 31).

       Meanwhile, Tourism Johor director Suhairi Hashim said preparations for the reopening of the border started last year.

       "The tourism industry in Johor has been prepared for the reopening of the border since December last year as we knew it could happen any time.

       "Government agencies and departments have made all the necessary preparations to make sure the reopening of the border runs smoothly.

       "Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has also been monitoring preparations closely for the past three days to ensure everything runs smoothly," he said.

       He added that some hotels and resorts in Johor have already been fully booked ahead.

       "I have spoken to some industry players and many have started seeing positive effects.

       "We hope to see this continue and improve further in the weeks to come," he added.