A Malaysian minister said the country was hoping to generate over RM230 billion (US$60 billion) in revenue from tourism over the next five years.

Deputy Tourism Minister Donald Lim said the government had projected earnings at RM244.2 billion (US$67 billion) for the five-year period.

He said the government expected revenue of RM37.4 billion this year, rising to RM44.5 billion in 2007, with continued increases in following years.

"The ministry will continue to aggressively conduct tourism promotion activities to ensure that these projections are realised," Lim was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Tourism is Malaysia's second-largest foreign exchange earner, and Lim said the industry contributed RM31.9 billion in foreign exchange last year, a 7.8 percent increase from RM29.6 billion in 2004.

Visit Malaysia Year 2007

Malaysia is planning a boost in visitor numbers in 2007 to coincide with celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the country's independence.

The country has already launched a "Visit Malaysia Year 2007" campaign, and officials have vowed to work to facilitate travel arrangements and ensure the safety of tourists after complaints of muggings.

The government has said it hopes to attract some 20.1 million tourists in 2007, up from 15.7 million in 2004.